Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that some people with myeloma have found helpful for managing back pain and other symptoms. It works by using fine needles on specific points of the body to help relieve pain and discomfort.
Several MyMyelomaTeam members have shared positive experiences with acupuncture. One member said Show Full Answer
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that some people with myeloma have found helpful for managing back pain and other symptoms. It works by using fine needles on specific points of the body to help relieve pain and discomfort.
Several MyMyelomaTeam members have shared positive experiences with acupuncture. One member said that "massage and acupuncture saved my life" when dealing with neuropathy-related pain. Another found relief through palliative care that included acupuncture alongside other therapies. There are a few important things to keep in mind before trying acupuncture:
- Always check with your oncologist first — some complementary therapies may interact with myeloma treatments
- Avoid certain therapies before a stem cell transplant — your doctor can advise on timing
- Results vary — what works well for one person may not work the same for another
Acupuncture is often used alongside other approaches like yoga, meditation, gentle massage, and physical therapy as part of a broader pain management plan. It's worth having an open conversation with your care team about whether it could be a good fit for you.
October 6