Acupuncture Before Surgery Can Decrease Post Surgical Pain In Veterans

A new study shows that veterans who have acupuncture before surgery reported less need for opioids for pain.

The pilot study was presented Monday at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2020 meeting.

According to UPI, 6% of patients given opioids after surgery become dependent on them.

The study reports that veterans are twice as likely to die from accidental opioid overdoses than civilians.

Researchers cite this as being a crucial reason to have multiple options for treating pain.

The study found that acupuncture is a safe, cost-effective alternative to opioids in some cases.