Integrative Health: Acupuncture

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health combines modern and holistic medicines that can help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients.

This approach places the patient at the center of a treatment plan, considering the physical, emotional, and social needs of that individual.

Treatment plans may also include the use of conventional medicine, such as prescriptions, to manage chronic health conditions, as well as therapies and practices, such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles can be manually manipulated or stimulated with small electrical currents, which is called electroacupuncture.

Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years, gaining worldwide popularity since the 1970s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is used as a therapeutic technique in 103 out of 129 countries that reported data.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that the use of acupuncture by adults in the U.S. more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, 1% of adults in the U.S. used acupuncture. In 2022, that percentage rose to 2.2%.

National survey data suggest that acupuncture is most used for back, joint, and neck pain in the U.S.

It isn’t fully understood how acupuncture works. However, there is evidence that shows that acupuncture may have effects on the central nervous system, effects on other body tissues, and placebo effects.

Studies done in animals and humans, including studies using imaging procedures to see what is happening in the brain, have shown that acupuncture may affect nervous system function.

Acupuncture may have direct effects on the tissues where the needles have been inserted, which has been seen in connective tissue.

Research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for several pain conditions, including knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis and postoperative pain. Acupuncture may also help relieve joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people diagnosed with breast cancer.

An analysis of data from 20 studies (6,376 participants) of people with painful conditions (back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, or headaches) showed that the beneficial effects of acupuncture continued for a year after the end of treatment for all conditions except neck pain.

Acupuncture doesn’t only treat painful conditions. It has also been studied for at least 50 other health problems. There is evidence that indicates acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, stress incontinence in women, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, and may also help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in people with asthma, but it has not been shown to improve lung function.

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. Research on auricular acupuncture for chronic back pain and cancer pain has had promising results.

Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. However, complications have resulted from the use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and labeled for single use only.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Muscle Spasms

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Muscle spasms or muscle cramps are painful contractions and tightening of the muscles. Muscle spasms occur when the muscles involuntarily and forcibly contract and cannot relax.

Muscle spasms are normal and very common, and can involve part of, or all of, a muscle or several muscles in a group. These spasms can occur anywhere in the body. The most common types of muscle spasms include:

Back spasms

Leg cramps and charley horses

Neck spasms

Arm spasms

Abdomen spasms

Ribcage spasms

Chest spasms

Muscle spasms can occur in anyone at any time, including while walking, sitting, exercising, or sleeping. Some individuals are more susceptible to muscle spasms than others and experience them regularly with any type of exertion. People most likely to get muscle spasms include:

Athletes

Pregnant women

Infants

People who are obese

People over the age of 65

Most of the time, muscle spasms aren’t something to worry about. However, muscle cramps can indicate an underlying neurological condition that affects the brain. Involuntary muscle movements resulting from a neurological condition are called dystonia.

Muscle spasms range from mild to severe. Mild muscle spasms feel like the muscle is jumping around on its own and can be seen twitching. Severe muscle spasms feel like the entire muscle stiffens into a tight ball. If the cramping is painful, it may cause lingering discomfort in that area for a couple of days.

If muscle spasms result from a neurological condition, they may cause symptoms such as:

Paralysis

Muscle pain

Muscle weakness

Coordination issues

Numbness

Difficulty sleeping

Vision issues

Experts aren’t sure why some people get muscle spasms more than others. However, possible causes can include:

Dehydration

Muscle fatigue

Exercising in extreme heat, which causes heat cramps

Not enough stretching

Electrolyte imbalance

Stress

Too much high-intensity exercise

A healthcare provider can diagnose muscle spasm by reviewing a person’s health history and medications, as well as asking questions that include:

How bad is the pain?

How long do the cramps last?

When do muscle spasms usually happen?

What do the muscle spasms feel like?

When did the muscle spasms start?

There is no pill or injection used to treat and relieve muscle spasms. However, some things can be done to try and stop muscle cramps, including:

Massage the affected areas with your hands or a massage roller

Stretch the affected area

Stand up and walk around

Apply heat or ice

Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Muscle spasms can happen at any time, and because they are so predictable, they can be difficult to prevent. Unfortunately, there are risk factors that can’t be avoided, such as your age. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

Stretching your muscles regularly

Performing flexibility exercises

Drinking a lot of water

Wearing shoes that fit properly

Avoiding exercising in extreme heat

Working toward better overall fitness

Staying at a weight that is healthy for you

Avoiding medications that may cause muscle spasms as a side effect

Stretching your muscles before going to sleep

Using pillows to keep your toes pointed upward if you sleep on your back or letting your feet hang over the end of the bed if you sleep on your chest, to prevent leg cramps

If you are experiencing muscle spasms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Reactive Arthritis

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Reactive arthritis is a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to an infection somewhere in the body and causes joint pain and inflammation. This infection usually starts in the digestive system, genitals, or urinary tract. Reactive arthritis usually affects the knees, ankles, and feet, but it can also cause inflammation in the eyes, skin, and urethra. Reactive arthritis is considered a form of a group of inflammatory diseases that mainly affect the spine, joints, and places where tendons and ligaments attach to bones called spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Although reactive arthritis isn’t contagious, the bacteria that cause it can spread through sex or food. Several types of bacteria can trigger reactive arthritis, including:

Chlamydia trachomatis

Clostridium difficile (C. Difficile)

Escherichia coli (E. Coli)

Campylobacter

Salmonella

Shigella

Yersinia

While only a small number of people who are exposed to these bacteria develop reactive arthritis, certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition, including:

Infection

Sex assigned at birth

Genetics

The symptoms of reactive arthritis usually start one to four weeks after a triggering infection. Common symptoms include:

Pain and stiffness

Urinary issues

Swollen toes or fingers

Eye inflammation

Inflammation of tendons and ligaments where they attach to bone

Skin issues

Lower back pain

Reactive arthritis isn’t common and usually happens for a short period of time. For most people who experience this condition, symptoms can come and go, usually disappearing within a year.

A healthcare provider can diagnose reactive arthritis with a physical exam, as they check the eyes and joints for inflammation, warmth, and tenderness, as well as the skin for rashes. They may also order blood tests, joint fluid tests, and imaging tests to help diagnose the condition.

The main goals of treatment for reactive arthritis are to relieve symptoms and treat any infection that may still be present. Since reactive arthritis can affect different parts of the body, there may need to be multiple doctors or healthcare providers involved in treating this condition. Treatments for reactive arthritis can include:

Medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and rheumatoid arthritis medicines

Physical therapy exercises that strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, improve flexibility, and prevent stiffness

Although genetics is a risk factor for developing reactive arthritis, that risk can be lowered by reducing exposure to bacteria that cause infections by:

Practicing food safety

Preventing sexually transmitted infections

If you are experiencing any symptoms of reactive arthritis, you can schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Herniated Disc

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs in the spine tears or ruptures, allowing the jelly-like substance, or nucleus, in the disc to leak and irritate surrounding nerves.

A herniated disc can affect any part of the spine; however, this problem is most likely to occur in the lower spine. Herniated discs in the lumbar spine (the lower back) typically result in symptoms that affect the legs, feet, lower back, or buttocks. A common cause of lower back pain is a herniated disc. This pain is often described as sharp and radiating. In addition to lower back pain, a herniated disc can also cause leg pain, or sciatica.

A herniated disc in the cervical spine (the neck) may lead to neck pain, pain between the shoulder blades, or pain in the arms, hands, or fingers. Herniation in the neck or lower spine may also result in numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, and in some instances bladder problems.

Herniated discs can be caused by age-related weakening or wear and tear of the discs; this is called disc degeneration. Other causes include:

Sudden or traumatic injuries
Repeated minor injuries
Repeated bending, strain, or twisting
Improper lifting of heavy objects
Poor posture
Obesity or excess body weight

Some people are at risk of getting a herniated disc more than others. Risk factors include:

Living a sedentary life
Being overweight
Smoking
Working in a career that requires frequent heavy lifting
Having a previously herniated disc
Having close blood relatives with spinal disc problems
Having a connective tissue disorder
Being seated for long periods

Most herniated discs heal on their own; however, in some instances, they may not. Symptoms of a herniated disc can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to complications such as bladder or bowel dysfunction, significant tingling, numbness, or weakness. It is advisable that you see a doctor if you are experiencing these complications.

Your physician may perform a thorough physical examination and order neurological examinations, imaging tests, or nerve tests to help diagnose a herniated disc. Once diagnosed, treatment may involve medications, physical therapy, spinal injections, or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206-7001.

Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Andrew Bi

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce Dr. Andrew Bi, the newest member of our orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Bi was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in East Lyme, Connecticut, and currently resides in Queens. He graduated from the University of Connecticut magna cum laude with honors. He then graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine summa cum laude with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Then he completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at NYU Langone Orthopedics, where he served as Executive Chief Resident. Dr. Bi later underwent subspeciality training at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in a sports medicine fellowship, where he served as assistant team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel, and DePaul University.

Dr. Bi has received numerous awards for teaching, clinical care, and research, including the Ralph Lusskin Senior Resident Teaching Award, the Marian Frauenthal Sloane Clinical Research Award, and the Rush Annual Thesis Day Award.

Dr. Bi treats all aspects of orthopedic injuries with a special interest in the management of all shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee conditions, including, but not limited to robotic-assisted joint replacements for arthritis, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries for sports injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus, cartilage, rotator cuff, and labrum injuries, and the fixation of fractures. His current research efforts involve anterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal allograft transplantations, rotator cuff tears, hip arthroscopy, and orthobiologics.

Dr. Bi is excited to begin at the Medisys family at Jamaica Hospital, bringing with him expertise in sports medicine subspecialization, as well as his Chinese heritage, to care for the diverse population surrounding the hospital.

If you are experiencing any conditions or injuries affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you can schedule an appointment at Orthopedic Specialists of New York by calling 718-206-6923

Bunions

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of the foot move out of their regular position, causing the big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes. It also forces the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out.

Bunions can develop for many reasons. It can be a combination of factors such as family history, abnormal bone structure, increased motion, or choice of footwear. It can also be caused by something putting extra pressure on the big toe joint for a long time, pushing the joint out of its natural alignment. These can include:

The way you walk
Health conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
Standing for a long time or working on your feet

Anyone can develop a bunion. Certain groups of people are more likely to have bunions, including:

Females
People whose biological parents have bunions or issues with their foot mechanics. More than 70% of people with bunions have a biological parent who has had them
People with a history of foot injuries, including athletes

Bunions have many symptoms, including:

A bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe
Swelling and/or a change in color or soreness around the big toe joint
Corns or calluses often form where the first and second toes rub against each other
Ongoing pain or pain that comes and goes
Stiffness or limited movement of the big toe, which could lead to trouble walking
Hard skin on the sole

Bunions can lead to health problems, including:

Bursitis
Hammertoe
Metatarsalgia
Osteoarthritis

To diagnose a bunion, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. A foot X-ray of your foot can help determine the best way to treat it.

Treatment for a bunion may vary and depends on how severe the bunion is and how much pain it causes. The most common treatments for bunions include:

Changing footwear
Bunion pads and taping
Orthotic devices such as shoe inserts
Pain relievers
Using ice or an ice pack
Corticosteroids
Physical therapy
Surgery

Surgery isn’t always necessary when treating a bunion. It is only recommended when simpler treatments don’t ease symptoms, if the bunion causes frequent pain, or if it limits daily activities.

To prevent bunions, it is important to choose the shoes you wear carefully. They should be supportive and have a wide toe box and no pointed toes. There should also be space between the tip of your longest toes and the end of the shoe. Your shoes should match the shape of your feet without squeezing or pressing any part of your foot.

If you are experiencing any bunion symptoms, you can speak with a podiatrist at our Queens Podiatry Center, located on the Jamaica Hospital campus. To make an appointment, please call (718) 206-6713/6712.

Do Compression Socks Help with Circulation?

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Compression socks, or compression stockings, are socks of varying lengths and tightness that are made to fit more tightly than normal socks, so they gently squeeze your legs.

Compression socks are a popular treatment for tired legs and calf swelling. They support healthy circulation and can increase energy levels and lower the risk of blood clots. There are three primary types of compression socks:

Nonmedical support hosiery, which is available for anyone to buy over the counter

Graduated compression socks, which are only available by prescription from a doctor, require a professional fitting

Anti-embolism compression socks, which are prescribed for individuals who are at increased risk for pulmonary embolism

Compression socks are safe to wear when done correctly. However, that doesn’t mean they are safe for everyone in every situation. Some people shouldn’t use compression socks, like those with delicate or easily irritated skin. Some potential risks of wearing compression socks incorrectly include:

They can cut off your circulation

They can chafe and bruise your legs

They can cause itching, redness, and irritation

The safest way to use compression socks is to follow a healthcare provider’s guidance. Some best practices for safely wearing compression socks include:

Getting compression socks fitted properly by a professional

Getting fitted for the correct size of compression socks if you have gained or lost weight

Following instructions from the sock or stocking manufacturers and your healthcare provider

Checking your skin for changes such as redness, dents, dryness, and chafing between every wear

Hand-washing compression socks and hanging them dry to prevent warping or changes in the fabric

Disposing of compression socks after 30 or so wears, as soon as you notice them losing their stretch

Taking your compression socks off every day and replacing them with a clean, dry pair so the socks don’t adhere to your skin and become difficult to remove

To schedule an appointment with one of the Queens, NYC vascular surgeons at Jamaica Hospital or to learn more about the services we offer, please call (718) 206-7001.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month, a month used to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Healthcare providers sometimes call lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common type of lupus, which means you have lupus throughout your body. Other types of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is lupus that only affects your skin
Drug-induced lupus occurs when some medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is usually temporary and might go away after you stop taking the medication that caused it
Neonatal lupus occurs when babies are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents with lupus aren’t certain to have lupus, but they might have an increased risk

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by flare-ups, when signs and symptoms may get worse for a while, and then improve or disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body
Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dry eyes
Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

Lupus likely results from a combination of genetics and environment.

People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with an environmental trigger of the disease. Some potential triggers of lupus include:

Sunlight
Infections

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time, overlapping with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and results of a physical examination can lead to a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may include:

A complete blood count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Kidney and liver assessment
Urinalysis
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

If your healthcare provider suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, they may suggest imaging tests that can include:

A chest X-ray
An echocardiogram

Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways, and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage it causes. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy is needed to determine the best treatment. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is to minimize damage to the organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms during one. Medications you might need include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids
Antimalarial drugs
Immunosuppressants
Biologics

Simple measures can help prevent lupus flare-ups if they occur, and help you to better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience, including:

Seeing your doctor regularly
Being sun smart
Getting regular exercise
Quitting smoking
Eating a healthy diet
Asking your healthcare provider if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements

For more information about the Lupus Center at the campus of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to make an appointment with a lupus doctor, call (718) 206-9888 or the Lupus Hotline at 1-877-33-LUPUS.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions. It is caused by extra pressure on the median nerve in the wrist’s carpal tunnel.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start gradually and can include:

Tingling and numbness in the wrist, hand, or fingers
Weakness
Pain in the wrist, hand, or fingers
Trouble using hands to hold or control objects

Several factors have been linked to the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although they may not directly cause carpal tunnel, they may increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve. These include:

Anatomical factors
Sex assigned at birth
Nerve-damaging conditions
Inflammatory conditions
Medicines
Obesity
Body fluid changes
Other medical conditions
Workplace factors

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam and other tests that include:

Tinel’s sign
Phalen’s test
X-ray
MRI
Ultrasound
Electromyography
A nerve conduction study

Healthcare providers treat carpal tunnel syndrome with nonsurgical treatments first. The most common carpal tunnel treatments include:

Modifying your daily routine
Supporting and strengthening your wrist
Taking over-the-counter medication
Wearing a splint (especially at night)
Physical therapy
Changing your posture or working environment
Corticosteroids

You may need carpal tunnel surgery if nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve symptoms. The goal of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve pressure by cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve. The three different techniques used in carpal tunnel surgery include:

Endoscopic surgery
Open surgery
Ultrasound-guided surgery

It is best to treat carpal tunnel syndrome as early as possible after symptoms start. There are simple things that you can do for yourself that may help symptoms go away, such as:

Taking more frequent breaks to rest the hands
Not doing activities that make symptoms worse
Using cold packs to reduce swelling

If you have any questions or concerns about carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel surgery, you can receive more detailed information from a doctor at Orthopedic Specialists of New York, located on Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s campus. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.

Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. The observance serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the complex family of debilitating diseases.

An estimated 58.5 million adults in the U.S. are affected by some form of arthritis, which is equal to about 23.7% of the population. As the number of older Americans continues to grow, and the rate of obesity and overweight increases, the number of people with arthritis-attributable activity limitations will only increase.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, especially amongst older people. OA mostly affects cartilage by breaking down its surface. As cartilage wears away, it allows bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Over time, these changes can affect the bones, tendons, and other joint tissues.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, joint pain and other OA symptoms can be managed through treatment, lifestyle changes, and education.

In 1972, at the urging of the Arthritis Foundation, Congress and President Richard M. Nixon designated May as National Arthritis Month, a special time to emphasize research, service, and education about arthritis and raise funds to support the cause. Every May since then, National Arthritis Month has been marked by efforts to elevate the public’s awareness of arthritis.

During this Arthritis Awareness Month, get involved by helping raise awareness for this public health priority.