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I have Cauda Equina Snydrome (CES) and will be starting acupunture soon in an effort to reduce nerve pain. I've been told that acupunture works for some people and I would need to give it 5 treatments before I would know if there is any benefit. Everyone is differnt I guess, but I thought I would ask if any one else has tried this in hopes of reducing nerve pain.

I would be interested knowing what works for you besides taking meds. I use a TENS unit, back brace, and use hot & cold pads in an effort to control the pain, and those items help, but maybe there is something else that might work that I haven't tried yet. I should add that I also get trigger point, and SI Joint injections but there is a limited as to how many of those you can have and they only give me temporary reliefe for up 7 - days tops. Maybe the acupuncture will last longer than 10 days so let me know what works best for you.

You could try for advice at here: a site dedicated to this condition.

I have dealt with very painful gout and peripheral neuropathy onset. I was given some fairly strong mediciation suggestions by my western doctor. I thought I'd look into alternatives.

I found an acupuncturist that I have seen for about 6 months. When I was looking for one I noticed that there were a couple of levels of training. Some practitioners associated with western medicine and HMOs seem trained in pain management and do well. I sought one that was trained in the East in overall well being using acupuncture, moxibustion, herbology and acupressure. My acupuncturist told me that if it didn't work fairly quickly I should try another practitioner and not necessarily blame the treatment modality.

So far I have been treated every couple of weeks. The results have been good. Initial improvement took several sessions. I have not had a serious bout of gout or a pain flare up due to the neuropathy. My general sense of health has improved too. Good luck. I hope you can get some relief.

A big yes on the CES. I have not tried acupunture yet. I might have to try that too. If it can help get rid of the constant burning that would be worth it.

I'd research acupuncture before paying out money for it. What research there is a not encouraging - certainly then papers I have seen.