Name: Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast
Address: 7a 2 Executive Drive, Burleigh Waters, QLD, 4220, AU
Telephone: 0755221691
Price range: $69-$99

How to tell the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

These conditions are often confused. Early intervention for IBD is important. So let’s look at the red flag signs and symptoms that set them apart.

IBS is a non-inflammatory digestive problem with abdominal discomfort and changes in the bowel movements. Bloating is a very common part of IBS and it is a common condition.

Stress can trigger IBS, or a gastro bug and even for no obvious reason. Those with IBS often find they have periods where it doesn’t bother them much at all followed by periods of up to four weeks where it flares up again.

This can be somewhat similar to the experiences of those with IBD, but there are some clear differences. Let’s take a look at them.

IBD includes two main conditions, both inflammatory in nature: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Similar to IBS, people with IBD can suffer abdominal pain or discomfort and diarrhoea.

The important red flags to look out for are:

Blood in the stool
Unintentional weight loss
Waking up in the middle of the night with pain or needing to go to the toilet urgently
Unexplained mineral and vitamin deficiencies.

At this time there are no cures for Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Both IBD conditions may have underlynig genetic or environmental causes but the real reason why they develop is poorly understood.

With IBD or if you suspect IBD it is very important to see your GP straight away. The good news is that there are a variety of effective treatments to manage it. Many people may be able to get the disease under control with very few symptoms, able to live relatively normal lives.

With IBS, acupuncture has been shown to be really quite good at relieving symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bowel movements, and improving quality of life. To find out more about how acupuncture can help with IBS click here. With IBD, western medical intervention is important. However, if you still wish to pursue alternative care, acupuncture may be able to assist with reducing certain symptoms similar to IBS.

Delays in IBD diagnosis may lead to advanced complications, possibly even surgery in severe cases. So if the red flags listed above sound familiar, please see your General Practitioner to discuss your case.

IBD can occur in young people between the age of 15 and 40 years old and is becoming more common, so talking to a GP is not something to put off.

They can arrange the relevant tests and if necessary, refer you to a specialist.

One non-invasive test to distinguish between IBS and IBD is the faecal-calprotectin test.

FYI: There’s a day for that – May 19th is World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day: to find out more about IBD symptoms https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/

For IBS related symptoms, acupuncture has shown a lot of promise in scientific research. At Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast in Burleigh Waters, Queensland, we understand that every person’s experience with IBS is unique. Our experienced acupuncturist, Dr Baker, provides personalised care and support, tailoring treatment plans to address individual symptoms and concerns.

We combine acupuncture with other traditional Chinese medicine modalities, such as dietary recommendations, herbal formulas and lifestyle adjustments, to offer a comprehensive approach to managing IBS. Our goal is to empower IBS sufferers in our community to regain control of their digestive health, improve IBS symptoms, and enhance their overall well-being. 

Acupuncture presents a natural and empowering treatment option for those near Burleigh Waters, Queensland, who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Click HERE to read more about acupuncture for IBS.

You can reach Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast on 07 5522 1691 or at 7a/2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters. We are located near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings and have plenty of off street parking.

Sources:
– Zhu, L., Ma, Y., Ye, Y., & Tian, Y. (2018). Efficacy of acupuncture on IBS: A meta-analysis. Journal of Pain Research, 11, 311-324.
– Zheng, H., Chen, M., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Wei, S., & Zhou, S. (2019). The effect of acupuncture on the quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.
– Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
– Evidence Based Acupuncture www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org

For those living with chronic pain, research highlights the need to consider acupuncture. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and is used to treat a variety of ailments. It has passed the test of time, and is highly researched. In fact there is more high level research for acupuncture than for physiotherapy and chiropractic combined.

Chronic pain can be debilitating and severely affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain. This article dives into the potential benefits, because we want people to suffer less. If you’ve never considered acupuncture for managing your chronic pain, this is for you.

Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as injury, inflammation, or nerve damage. It can also be caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines.

The traditional medical approach to chronic pain management typically involves the use of medications, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these medications can have side effects and may not be effective for everyone. Over time people may need to take more and more to get relief, and the side effects can take a toll. This is where acupuncture comes in.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These needles stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, such as the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture also helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.

For those living with chronic pain, research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment. A meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials involving over 17,000 patients found that acupuncture was effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and back pain. Another study found that acupuncture was more effective than standard care in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain.

Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating other chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and migraines. A study of 60 patients with fibromyalgia found that those who received acupuncture had significantly lower pain scores than those who received a placebo treatment. Another study found that acupuncture was more effective than medication in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.

A skilled acupuncturist selects acupuncture points that stimulate the body’s ability to return to homeostasis. That is, it prompts the body to heal.

One of the benefits of acupuncture for those living with chronic pain is that it is a safe and non-invasive treatment option in the hands of a skilled acupuncturist. Unlike medications, acupuncture does not have any significant side effects, and the needles used in acupuncture are sterile and disposable.

Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with other treatments for chronic pain. So if physical therapy or chiropractic care have been working for you, you can add it to your regime without affecting the other treatments. There are no drug interactions either, so don’t have to worry about your medication being affected. By combining these treatments, patients may be able to achieve greater pain relief and improve their overall function and quality of life.

In conclusion, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for people living with chronic pain. It can help to reduce pain, improve function, and promote relaxation. If you are suffering from chronic pain, acupuncture is something to consider. As with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning acupuncture treatment.

About Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast 
PH: 07 5522 1691 
W: www.alliedacupuncture.com.au 
A: 7a / 2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Gold Coast acupuncture clinic Burleigh Waters. Located near the major intersection of Reedy Creek Rd and Bermuda St, near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings.

We’re 15km or 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 13.4km from Surfers Paradise. Midway between the M1 Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The clinic has FREE off-street parking, wheel chair access and toilet facilities.

SAME DAY ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE: 
Book online any time 24/7 or call our answering service Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm for same day appointments on 0755221691. Book an Initial Consultation and Treatment then look for your welcome e-mail.

An Initial Consultation and Treatment with Dr Scott Baker (Acupuncturist) involves discussing your health history, followed by a physical assessment, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment.
Diagnosis involves palpation of the problem area and possibly the abdomen and/or arms and legs. Chinese Medicine may also involve looking at your tongue and checking your pulse where indicated.

Available treatments:  

Neoclassical acupuncture using 1-3 needles
Biomedical acupuncture (including dry needling &/or electro acupuncture)
Balance method / distal acupuncture (Dr Tan / Master Tung style)

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Gold Coast
Find an AHPRA Registered Acupuncturist near you – search ‘acupuncture near me.’ Servicing:

References:
Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Maschino AC, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(19):1444-1453. 

Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(9):858-866. 

Martin DP, Sletten CD, Williams BA, Berger IH. Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clin Proc. 2006;81(6):749-757. 

Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(1):CD001218.