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.

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.

Podiatry: What Your Feet Can Tell You about Your Health

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Our bodies present many signs and symptoms to show us that we are sick, such as a runny nose, fever, and body aches. However, your feet can tell us a lot about our health, including:

Dry, flaking, itchy, or peeling skin may be signs of a thyroid condition or a fungal infection.
Foot numbness may be a sign of circulation problems such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes, other neurological problems, arthritis, or long-standing alcoholism.
A foot sore that won’t heal may be a sign of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. In addition to causing nerve damage, high blood sugar might also damage the blood vessels that supply nerves, causing circulation problems that prevent healing.
Swollen ankles and feet may be signs of heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or a blood clot. Painless swelling in the feet is gravity in action. If your heart, liver, or kidneys aren’t working properly, you will have excess fluid in the body that leaks into your tissues and drains down to the feet.
A suddenly, intensely painful, and swollen big toe may be a sign of gout, inflammation caused by a buildup of uric acid that forms crystals in the joints.
Pain in the foot when walking or exercising that goes away when resting may be a sign of a stress fracture or osteoporosis.
Sore toe joints in both feet may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Frequent foot cramping may be a sign of dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
Heel pain may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, the strain of the ligament that supports the arch in your foot.
Yellow toenails may be a sign of a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot.
Balding or hairless feet and toes may be a sign of circulation problems, such as peripheral artery disease.
Foot or heel pain upon standing or rising in the morning may be a sign of arthritis or plantar fasciitis.
Frequently cold feet may be a sign of hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud’s disease, a condition where blood vessels spasm and constrict when experiencing cold temperatures.

Some ways you can care for your feet include:

Wash and examine your feet daily
Keep the skin on your feet moisturized
Treat any callouses and corns
Trim toenails weekly or as needed
Wear protective clothing on your feet
Maintain blood flow to the feet

If you are experiencing any of these foot ailments, contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Queens Podiatry Center at (718) 206-6713-6712 to make an appointment.

What is Arthritis?

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Arthritis is a chronic disease that most often affects areas of the body that are in or around joints. A joint is the area where bones meet: an example of this would be the knee. Bones are covered at their ends by a substance known as cartilage, and it is this cartilage that keeps the bones from rubbing directly against one another. The entire joint is enclosed by the synovium, a tissue that produces the synovial fluid that keeps the joint lubricated. Muscles and tendons act to support the joint and also to make it move. When a part of the joint is not working correctly it can cause the joint to change shape or alignment, which can be very painful.

Arthritis is a disease that affects one in every seven people and can occur at any age. . It is a disease that can severely limit the ability to move. It can have a slow onset, or come on quickly. Once it starts, it usually lasts your entire life. There are many ways that its symptoms can be reduced so that people who have it can remain active.

Arthritis is often characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and problems with movement in one or more joints. Any of these symptoms that persist for 10 days or more should be discussed with your doctor. It is important to remember that symptoms may be constant or they may come and go. Symptoms can occur during physical activity or they can occur while at rest.

Because there are so many different types of arthritis, it is important for your doctor to perform a complete history and physical in order to make a correct diagnosis. Often the exam will include a blood test, a urine analysis, a joint fluid specimen, and an x-ray of the involved joints. To help your doctor, you should be able to tell him or her when you first noticed the pain, how long you have had it, when it hurts, where the pain is located, whether you have noticed any swelling, if you had any trauma to the area, and whether there is a family history of this type of problem.

The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoarthritis This is the most common form of arthritis. It is also called degenerative arthritis. It usually affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and back, but it can affect almost any joint. It causes pain and stiffness and is due to degeneration of the bone and cartilage. Men and women are usually affected at the same rate of occurrence.

Rheumatoid Arthritis This is an inflammatory form of arthritis that is caused by the body’s own immune system acting on the joints. The joint lining is affected first and then spreads to the cartilage and bone. It occurs in women more often than in men, and it affects the same joints on both sides of the body.

Depending on the type of arthritis and its severity, treatment plans will vary and must be customized to the individual’s specific needs. Medications that act on the pain and the swelling include those sold over the counter as well as prescriptions. Exercise programs and physical therapy have helped many people relieve symptoms and increase joint mobility. The use of ice or heat over the joint may help as well. Excess weight can also cause a person’s arthritis to worsen. In all instances it is important to discuss symptoms and all treatment plans with your doctor.

Alternative Ways to Treat Chronic Pain

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Michael Hinck

We all experience physical pain at some point in our lives. In many instances pain will subside after a few hours or days. However, when pain lasts for weeks or longer, it is considered chronic and may require some form of pain management therapy.

Chronic pain could be caused by many things, such as a medical condition like arthritis or fibromyalgia. It could also be the result of ongoing medical treatments, such as cancer therapy or it could be caused by nerve damage sustained by an injury. Whatever the cause of your pain, it is important to know that there are many options available to treat it.

For many years opioids were prescribed to treat pain, but they can be very addictive and therefore not always the best option. It is important to understand the potential benefits and risks before you begin taking these types of medications and explore alternative forms of pain management.

Other, non-addictive types of medication available to treat symptoms of pain include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) – such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin

Acetaminophen – Tylenol
Antidepressants – can improve sleep and alleviate pain

Anti-seizure medications – effective in treating pain related to nerve damage or injury
Steroids – used to alleviate inflammation and pain

Medications however are not the only form of therapy to manage pain. Physical therapy and exercise, if done correctly and under the supervision of a professional can build tolerance and reduce pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy (TENS) is another type of therapy that uses electrical stimulation to diminish pain. Other types of pain therapy can include acupuncture, massage, heat and cold therapy, meditation, as well as dietary modifications and nutritional supplements.

A doctor who specializes in pain management can help. They can identify the source of your pain and determine the best approach to manage it, both physically and emotionally.

If you are experiencing chronic pain and would like to see a pain management specialist, please call Jamaica Anesthesia Associates at 718-06-7246 or 718-206-PAIN.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the American College of Rheumatology, psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some patients with psoriasis (is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system) and can affect the joints in the body.

It is a chronic disease that may present as mild with occasional flair ups or, in more severe cases, can cause joint damage in fingers and toes, as well as larger joints in the lower extremities, such as knees, back and sacroiliac joints in the pelvis.

The Mayo Clinic describes the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis as:

Swollen fingers and toes – Psoriatic arthritis can cause a painful, sausage-like swelling of your fingers and toes. You may also develop swelling and deformities in your hands and feet before having significant joint symptoms.
Foot pain -Psoriatic arthritis can also cause pain at the points where tendons and ligaments attach to your bones — especially at the back of your heel (Achilles tendinitis) or in the sole of your foot (plantar fasciitis).
Lower back pain -Some people develop a condition called spondylitis as a result of psoriatic arthritis. Spondylitis mainly causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae of your spine and in the joints between your spine and pelvis (sacroiliitis).

Psoriatic arthritis can go into remission. When in remission, the symptoms may alternate causing them to subside for a time and then reappearing in the form of painful, swollen joints.

Many people with psoriatic arthritis may first think they have rheumatoid arthritis since both diseases have similar symptoms. The only difference is that psoriatic arthritis is prevalent in patients who have psoriasis of the skin as well.

When seeing your doctor to determine whether or not you may have psoriatic arthritis your doctor may examine your joints for swelling or tenderness, check your fingernails, hands, feet and toes for pitting, flaking or other abnormalities.

Psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed by X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), testing the rheumatoid factor (RF) antibody in your blood or a joint fluid test to see if you have uric acid crystals in your joint fluid.

Since there isn’t a cure for psoriatic arthritis, healthcare professionals are focused on controlling the symptoms and thwarting permanent damage to the joints.

Some medications prescribed to treat psoriatic arthritis include:

NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Disease-modifying ant rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) -These drugs can slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage.
Immunosuppressants -These medications act to tame your immune system, which is out of control in psoriatic arthritis.
TNF-alpha inhibitors – Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an inflammatory substance produced by your body. TNF-alpha inhibitors can help reduce pain, morning stiffness, and tender or swollen joints.

Other procedures that have been effective are steroid injections or joint replacement surgery. Steroid injections reduce inflammation rapidly and joint replacement surgery replaces the severely damaged joint with an artificial prosthesis made of metal and/or plastic.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and would like to speak with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital, call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a Rheumatology specialist.

Gout

Posted on October 23, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Gout is a common form of arthritis that is characterized by attacks of pain, swelling, stiffness, redness or tenderness in the joints. These attacks or flares typically affect one joint at a time. They can occur suddenly and return over time.

Gout is caused by an accumulation of urate crystals in the joint. Urate crystals form when there are high levels of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is produced when your body breaks down purines; substances that are found naturally in our bodies and in foods such as steak, seafood and organ meats. Alcoholic beverages and drinks sweetened with fructose (fruit sugar) are known to promote higher levels of uric acid in the body.

Some people are more likely to develop gout than others. Factors that increase your risk include:

Being obese; If you are overweight your body produces more uric acid and your kidneys may not be able to properly eliminate excessive amounts
Having a diet that is rich in purines, this includes seafood, red meat, organ meat, or beverages sweetened with fructose
Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
Having certain health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart and kidney disease
Using certain medications such as diuretics or low-dose aspirin

Men are more at risk of developing gout than women; this is because women tend to produce lower levels of uric acid. Men are also more likely to develop gout at an earlier age than women. In men, symptoms may occur as early as the age of 30, and in women after menopause.

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk for gout or prevent future attacks, they include:

Drinking plenty of water
Limiting your intake of seafood and meat
Limiting or avoiding alcohol
Maintaining a healthy weight

If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, or believe that you may be at risk, make an appointment to see a physician. Your doctor may order a series of test or assess your current state of health to receive a diagnosis or to determine if you are at risk.

Does Winter Weather Make Arthritis Worse?

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Bundle up, work out indoors, and keep plenty of vitamin D in your diet. These are some of the ways you can get arthritis pain relief despite the bone-chilling cold of winter weather. Many people who experience more severe arthritis pain in the winter than compared to other months believe that barometric pressure is to blame for their heightened discomfort. However, that old wives tale hasn’t been proven scientifically.

Whether the joint pain/weather connection is scientifically true or not, you can still use these arthritis pain-relief tips when your aching joints act up in winter.

Stay active. Keep your body stimulated by doing light exercises or consistent movements to keep your joints moving. Do it indoors to keep away from the cold.
Eat a Healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet that comprised of low saturated fat, lean proteins, more fiber, and refined carbs helps to improve body functions during the winter.
Add Vitamin D. It is necessary to take a supplement vitamin D or ensure to make your diet vitamin-D rich. Fish oil is a potent source of omega 3 fatty acids as well as getting natural sunlight.
Stay Hydrated. Hydration is most often associated with sweat and the summer months, but it’s just as important to drink plenty of water in winter, too.

If your arthritis doesn’t improve after trying the above tips it is very important that you consult with a doctor immediately. The Division of Rheumatology at Jamaica Hospital provides consultations for patients who develop rheumatological disorders, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7001

Why Patients With RA Should Be Concerned About Osteoporosis

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not only affects the joints but it can also lead to long-term problems in bone health, such as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease which causes bones to become brittle, porous (less dense) and weakened, leaving them susceptible to fractures. Studies have found that people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

The reasons why the two are linked are numerous. Complications of RA, including systemic inflammation, the use of glucocorticoids or corticosteroids and loss of mobility can all further the development of osteoporosis.

People with RA who have developed osteoporosis may not know they have the disease because it often goes undetected until the bones fracture. However, there are several lifestyle changes they can apply to reduce their risk, such as:

Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements
Getting adequate sunlight to receive vitamin D
Exercise (weight bearing exercise)
Reducing alcohol consumption
Quit smoking
Taking recommended bone density tests

It is recommended that you speak with a doctor before making changes as each person’s case is unique. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat osteoporosis.

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

-6742 or 718-206-7001. The Division of Rheumatology at Jamaica Hospital provides consultations for patients who develop rheumatological disorders, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. There is a twice-monthly arthritis clinic and bone mineral density testing for diagnosing osteoporosis.

Natural Relief From Arthritis Pain

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

May is recognized each year as National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is a painful and degenerative condition marked by swelling in the joints that causes stiffness and pain. It is the number one cause of disability for more than 50 million Americans.

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, gets worse with age and is caused by wear and tear over the years. Unfortunately there isn’t a cure for arthritis but there are treatment and medication options to ease the pain. Doctors traditionally treat arthritis with anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers. However, some medications cause side effects, and a natural approach to pain relief is also an option.

Reduce the stress on your joints by losing weight will improve your mobility, decrease pain, and prevent future damage to your joints.
Get more exercise. Regular movement helps to maintain flexibility in your joints.
Try Acupuncture. It is thought that acupuncture has the ability to reduce arthritis pain. If you want to try this treatment method, be sure to find an experienced acupuncturist with good references.
Add turmeric spice to your dishes. Turmeric, the yellow spice common in Indian dishes, contains a chemical called curcumin that may be able to reduce arthritis pain. The secret is its anti-inflammatory properties.
Try herbal supplements. Some of the herbs touted for arthritis pain include boswellia, bromelain, devil’s claw, ginkgo, stinging nettle, and thunder god vine.

Before trying any of these natural alternatives to joint pain relief, consult with your doctor first to decide what works best for you.