What kind of pain conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica, arthritis, nerve pain and accident injuries or surgeries. Our goal is to help you get back to an active and pain-free lifestyle.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see us. We accept self-referrals and work with most insurance providers. If you are unsure, just give us a call and we will help you understand what is needed.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management uses targeted, invasive procedures such as injections, nerve blockages, and spine stimulation to treat the source of your pain, not just cover it up with medication.

Who is Dr. Blake Christensen?

Dr. Blake Christensen is an expert in pain management, certified by the board and founder of Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers. With extensive training and a personalized approach, he is known for helping patients find real, lasting relief.

Are your treatments surgical?

No. We specialize in non-surgical pain treatments. Most of our procedures are performed in-office and do not require hospital stays or long recovery times.

What are epidural steroid injections, and are they safe?

Epidural steroid injections help reduce inflammation around spinal nerves. They are safe, commonly used, and often bring relief from conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

How long will it take to see results?

It depends on the condition and treatment plan, but many patients experience relief within days or weeks. We will guide you through each step and adjust your care as needed.

Is pain management just about medication?

Not at all. While medication can be part of a plan, we focus on treating the root cause through injections, physical therapies, nerve treatments, and lifestyle guidance.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your ID, insurance card, a list of medications you are currently taking, and any recent imaging reports if available (X-rays, MRIs, etc.).

Where are you located, and what are your hours?

We have locations in Oklahoma City, Norman. Our clinics are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Our staff will help verify your coverage and explain any costs before your treatment.

What makes Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers different?

We treat each patient like family. With expert care led by Dr. Blake Christensen and a dedicated staff, we combine experience, compassion, and innovative treatments by the best team for the best health and quality of life.

Acupuncture for Relief of Neck and Back Pain

May 4

Written By Blake Christensen

Acupuncture for Relief of Neck and Back Pain

Back and neck pain causes chronic discomfort for patients that often interferes with daily life. At Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers, we have seen how a multidisciplinary approach to pain management can help restore quality of life. Our pain management doctor supporting Belle Isle patients often uses acupuncture to reduce acute musculoskeletal pain and bridge the gap between ancient healing and modern medical protocols.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. This stimulation may enhance the natural pain-relieving mechanisms of the body and promote healing.

Today, the immediate and short-term analgesic effects are used to treat various types of pain. Common applications include chronic back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

This ancient technique bridges the gap between holistic healing and modern medicine. It offers a low-risk alternative for patients who want to avoid surgery or reduce their reliance on medication. We integrate this practice into our comprehensive care plans to address the physical and neurological aspects of pain.

How Does Acupuncture Work for Pain?

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system at the site of the pain, in the spine, and in the brain. It stimulates mast cell degranulation and histamine release, activating neural pathways essential for pain relief.

It targets the nervous system to create a healing response:

Releasing endorphins: These are the natural painkillers of the body.
Reducing inflammation: It helps calm inflammation in the muscles and joints.
Improving blood flow: Increased circulation helps repair painful or injured areas.
Interrupting pain signals: It can modulate the signals sent to the brain.

These effects make it a beneficial treatment option for patients experiencing persistent spinal issues. It is particularly helpful for neck stiffness, lower back pain, herniated disc discomfort, or whiplash symptoms following an accident.

Is Acupuncture Effective?

Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce chronic back and neck pain. A major study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that acupuncture was more effective than standard care or placebo treatments for chronic pain.

Patients often report reduced pain intensity and improved mobility. Many also experience better sleep and decreased stress levels.

We utilize these evidence-based findings to enhance patient outcomes at Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers. Our trained providers integrate acupuncture into individualized pain management plans to ensure you receive the most effective care possible.

Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture

Our patients benefit from acupuncture for radiating pain caused by cervical radiculopathy and a variety of spinal pain conditions. It serves as an excellent complement to physical therapy and interventional procedures:

Chronic neck pain and tension
Lumbar disc herniations
Muscle spasms
Sciatica
Whiplash injuries after car accidents

Treating these conditions often requires more than just one approach. We combine acupuncture with other therapies like physical therapy or injections to tackle the pain from every angle. This comprehensive strategy helps you return to your daily activities faster.

What to Expect During a Session

A typical session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. The provider will assess your specific pain points before beginning.

Comfort: Most patients feel relaxed and experience little to no discomfort from the needles.
Needles: The needles are hair-thin and flexible.
Frequency: A series of sessions is often recommended based on the severity and chronicity of your pain.

Say goodbye to chronic pain by contacting us today. Let’s see if acupuncture is the right addition to your recovery plan. We are here to help you find relief.

Say Goodbye to Chronic Pain

You do not have to live with pain forever. We are here to help you find relief. You can say goodbye to pain by contacting us at Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers today to see if acupuncture is the right addition to your recovery plan.

Blake Christensen