Going Under The Needle to Treat Pain

KC Taylor: Jessica Velez shows no mercy on the court. Jessica Velez: I love the competition, the intensity. KC Taylor: The only intensity in her life now is between her ears. Jessica Velez: It’s a constant throbbing pain that never goes away. It’s 24/7 everyday. KC Taylor: A slew of ER trips, MRI’s and spinal tap turned up bizarre results. Jessica was diagnosed with daily persistent headache syndrome – a mysterious chronic headache disorder. Jessica Velez: This is basically like my headache calendar. KC Taylor: Jessica tracks her pain daily. Jessica Velez: 9 out of 10. KC Taylor: When medication failed she turned to Rush University Medical Center acupuncturist Angela Johnson. Angela Johnson: Acupuncture is not the “magic bullet” for everybody, but it’s certainly worth the try. KC Taylor: It’s based on the idea that so-called pressure points control energy flow through the body. One study found acupuncture switches off the brains response to pain, kind of like its sleeping. Another study shows 70% of kids said acupuncture helped their symptoms. Angela Johnson: Study do show that there is absolutely a biochemical, physiological impact that acupuncture can have. KC Taylor: Experts say using a licensed acupuncturist is key. Find one at www.NCCAOM.org. Jessica Velez: After she put only a few needles in, the pain almost went down to a 5 out of 10. KC Taylor: From shooting pain to shooting hoops it’s a big win. I'm KC Taylor reporting.