I think my GP is wrong

Well I'm not scared of needles at all so it doesn't bother me - but its not like getting a shot or taking blood or anything- they're tiny needles

Glad the muscle cream has done some good.  If it is muscle pain that should help, but if its a nerve issue, I'm not sure it would over the long term

Don't be afraid. As PB said they are tiny needles. Much thinner than the 'normal' hypodermic needles.

And all were in my back so I didn't even see the needles. Let alone feel them.

For those that may be apprehensive of acupuncture, I was petrified of going to a chiropractor but of course once I got up the courage to visit one and they worked their magic, I was hooked. Hooked until I did the acupunctute that is.

Ooh another thought, how about trying a TENS machine? You can get them at Boots, Lloyds, etc and they are good at blocking pain signals

Ooh another thought, how about trying a TENS machine? You can get them at Boots, Lloyds, etc and they are good at blocking pain signals

Very true, I got one at Lloyds last year for about £20 and it was a life saver!!!

Are they really that good? When my pelvis goes out, it's excruciating and would love to think that something like that would help.

My mom has sciatica, so I know that pain is tremendous and she had all the same problems you described. She was basically in a wheelchair for a few months because it hurt so much to walk or anything.  I think they gave her some corticosteroid shots in her back or something like that, but they are much more willing to do cortisone/steroids in the US than here in the UK, mainly due to the long-term side effects. (They won't give me cortisone injections for my psoriasis when it flares up like the doctors did in the states, it's damaging to the liver.) I would try seeing a different GP at a different clinic and see if they handle things differently or to get a second opinion, and if not, I would definitely try the acupuncture. My DH has had it for chronic foot and leg pain and he said it was WELL worth the money spent, as it was the only treatment that has ever helped him, and he has seen loads of doctors (both GPs and specialists) about his leg and foot pain.

Are they really that good? When my pelvis goes out, it's excruciating and would love to think that something like that would help.

I remember for a knee problem, the physio used one of the machines. I can't say if it helped or not or if it was the machine plus exercise that made it better. I don't recall the pain being reduced. But we are all different so what works for one may not work for another. Would I use it again? Probably. Anything is better than pills. But sometimes one may need both.

Would I use an acupuncturist again? Fo'Sho'