Why acupuncture for pain
Pain is the most researched use of acupuncture. The American College of Physicians recommends acupuncture among first-line non-drug treatments for chronic low back pain. Large reviews have found it reduces chronic back, neck, shoulder and knee pain more than sham treatment, with benefits that can last a year after a course of care. For many patients that means fewer painkillers, better sleep and getting back to the gym, the commute and the desk.
Pain conditions we treat
- Sciatica, herniated and bulging discs, and pain that radiates down the leg
- Low back pain, acute or chronic, including muscle spasm and SI joint pain
- Neck and shoulder pain: "tech neck", stiff neck, rotator cuff strain and frozen shoulder
- TMJ, jaw pain and teeth clenching
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Knee and hip osteoarthritis
- Carpal tunnel, tennis elbow and repetitive strain
- Sports injuries, plantar fasciitis and tendinitis
- Fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain
How acupuncture relieves pain
Needling stimulates nerves in muscle and connective tissue. That changes how pain signals travel through the spinal cord and brain, triggers the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals, relaxes muscles that are guarding, and improves blood flow to irritated tissue. In Chinese medicine terms, treatment moves qi and blood that have become stuck in the channel.
What happens at a pain appointment
- Assessment. Where it hurts, how it started, what makes it better or worse, your imaging and any treatment so far. Dr. Iskhakov checks range of motion and palpates the area to find the tight, tender points.
- Treatment. Local needling and trigger-point release, combined with distal points along the affected channel. Electroacupuncture, cupping and heat are added for deeper or long-standing pain.
- At home. Simple stretches, desk-setup changes and sleep positions that keep the improvement going.
- Measured progress. You rate your pain at every visit, so improvement, or the lack of it, is clear.
How many sessions for pain?
A recent strain or flare often settles in 3 to 5 visits. Pain you have had for more than three months usually needs 6 to 10 sessions, starting once or twice a week, then tapering as you improve. If you are not clearly better after five or six visits, we will say so and talk about other options or a referral.
Working alongside your other care
Acupuncture fits well with physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage and medical pain management. With your permission, Dr. Iskhakov will coordinate with your physician or PT so treatments support each other.
Cost and insurance
Treatment starts at $185 (first visit, about 90 minutes). Follow-up acupuncture is $140 for about 60 minutes, with cupping or electroacupuncture included when needed, and packages lower the per-visit cost. We are an out-of-network provider: you pay at each visit and receive a superbill to submit to your insurer, and many PPO plans reimburse part of the fee. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See every fee on pricing & insurance.
When to see a doctor first
See a doctor first, or go to an emergency room, for pain after a fall or accident, new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever with back pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Getting to our Midtown office
Many patients come straight from Midtown offices: we are on West 45th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, steps from Bryant Park and a short walk from Grand Central, Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
Fifth Element Acupuncture, 25 W 45th St, Suite 507, New York, NY 10036 · (347) 596-0931 · Directions
B, D, F, M to 42 St–Bryant Park · 7 to 5 Av · 4, 5, 6, S and Metro-North at Grand Central (6-min walk) · Times Sq–42 St (8-min walk)
How to book
Answer a few short questions online and we will call within one business day to confirm a time, or call (347) 596-0931. New patients start with a 90-minute first visit. Evening and Saturday appointments are available, and care is offered in English and Russian.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine complement, and do not replace, care from your physician. Results vary from person to person. Please continue any treatment your doctor has prescribed and tell us about medications you take. Photos are illustrative.
