I've used accupuncture before, but I had to pay for it. Our insurance still doesn't cover alternative medicines, although it's getting better.
Hopefully, I won't need surgery, but I may need a steroid shot in my back.
In the meantime, this thread is going nowhere, so let's just bag it, shall we? Unless, of course, you'd like to discuss the merits of alternative treatments vs traditional ones--which is kind of what I had in mind when I started it. (Writing 'off the cuff' is a 'process,' to me.)
Most insurance doesn't cover alternative medicine. Alternative medicine can be "hit and miss"... Nevada is state that promotes alternative choices, and great homeopaths, acupuncturists, etc. can be found in that state. In fact Nevada is one of the only states, if not the only state to license homeopaths. Mine was a DO as well as a licensed homeopath. My tests were covered by insurance, my appointments were not covered.
I had only one long appointment lasting over 2 + hours! The price was reasonable, considering he solved several of my issues at the time. The tests given to me (covered by insurance) were simple blood tests...to more advanced blood work including testing my nutritional levels, as well as heavy metals, hormones, etc. A through blood work was completed. The urinary test was a three day sampling of my urine..rather than only a single sample taken at the clinic. My experience was a good one, and my health is well worth the investment!
As far as pain management... My husband suffers from a great deal of pain, and has been prescribed powerful painkillers for the past 15 years! He manages quit well, with a combination of exercise, meditation, zen exercise like archery and tai chi... His scrib is changed occasionally to reduce the risk of acclimation... What has been god send is a little "blueberry kush"...very legal in the state of California. He also has OCD. This condition ironically causes him to "count" his pills...and NEVER go over that amount..ever!