Part of the problem with pain medications, such as opioids, is that they do not actually solve the problem, just cover it up. They act like a band-aid, but band-aids do not actually solve anything long term. Acupuncture can be very effective at not only relieving pain, but also helping the body heal itself to fix the root of the problem. A recent article from the Cleveland Clinic suggested "opioid-free, non-addictive alternatives, like acupuncture, as the first step to relieve pain." It can be used in conjunction with pain meds for longer lasting relief, or by itself to fix the core disfunction.
