take. for example, valerian root, things that can reduce inflammation. capsaicin that we ve talked about in the past, tu mare ick, things that reduce inflammation is the way to go. this is one time the robotic surgeon will basically promote any kind of eastern medicine. i like it. i think we re doing too many of these needle spine what do they call them? epidural injections. yes. going from medicine to acupuncture is another thing. relax. first find out the result. if you have a frac tufr ushgs don t want to treat it with acupuncture. find out about the root cause. if you re using heat, i agree with david s point, if the swelling persists or turns purple, you better see your doctor, get an x-ray. if you re going to use heat, wet heat is better because wet heat penetrates more. that s what my mom tells me. another trick, the old wife s tale is right. it desensitizes the nerve endings. absolutely. so you don t feel the actual pain. but i think you want also to