Does neural therapy hurt?

The insertion of the fine needles is briefly noticeable; the anaesthetic often burns for a moment during injection. Afterwards, a numb or warm feeling usually spreads. Most people find the treatment quite tolerable.

How quickly does the treatment work?

Because of the anaesthetic, pain often subsides immediately; this effect is initially temporary. Whether lasting improvement occurs becomes apparent over the course of the treatment series — if it does not, the approach should be reconsidered.

Is the efficacy scientifically proven?

Only to a limited extent. There are many anecdotal reports and some smaller studies, but no proven evidence according to current scientific standards for most areas of application. A reputable doctor will discuss this openly with you and ensure that serious causes of your complaints have been ruled out beforehand.

How many sessions are usual?

Often a short series of approximately three to six treatments is begun. If there is no improvement after that, continuing is usually not sensible — in that case it is worth looking at other treatment options.

Will I be fit to drive afterwards?

Usually yes. Directly after the injections, circulatory reactions or a queasy feeling can occur — wait at the practice until you feel stable. After treatments that anaesthetise larger regions, it is best to discuss the journey home with the doctor beforehand.

Neural Therapy — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

In neural therapy, the doctor injects a small amount of local anaesthetic into specific sites — such as painful points, nerve exit sites or old scars — to influence pain and functional complaints. The method originated in the first half of the 20th century and is offered in Switzerland by specially trained doctors. The scientific evidence is limited: there are anecdotal reports and smaller studies, but no proven efficacy for most applications.

Typical Areas of Use

Chronic musculoskeletal pain
Muscle tension and trigger points
Head and neck pain
Scar complaints
Adjunctive treatment for tendon and joint irritation

How It Works

1First, the doctor uses a consultation and physical examination to determine the source of your complaints, and palpates painful zones, areas of tension or conspicuous scars.
2The injection sites are disinfected. The doctor then uses fine needles to inject small amounts of a local anaesthetic — superficially into the skin (wheals) or targeted at deeper structures.
3Often you will initially feel a brief burning sensation, then a numb or warm feeling in the treated area; sometimes pain subsides immediately.
4After a short period of observation, you discuss the response and decide whether and at what intervals further sessions should follow.

How to Prepare

Inform the doctor about blood-thinning medications, allergies — particularly to local anaesthetics — as well as heart or circulatory diseases.
Do not come on an empty stomach, as this helps prevent circulatory reactions.
Wear clothing that allows easy access to the region being treated.

Side Effects & Risks

Small bruises, pressure pain or a burning sensation at the injection sites are common and harmless.
Circulatory reactions such as dizziness or a brief feeling of weakness occur, especially directly after the injections.
Allergic reactions to the anaesthetic are rare but possible.
With injections into deeper regions, injury to vessels, nerves or, in the chest area, the lung is possible — though very rare; careful technique and medical execution are therefore essential.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

After the treatment, remain sitting or lying down for a few minutes until your circulation is stable, and don't plan anything strenuous for the rest of the day. A numb feeling in the treated area will subside within hours; small bruises and a temporary fluctuation of symptoms are normal. Contact the practice immediately, or emergency services if necessary, if an injection site swells significantly, becomes red or increasingly painful, if fever occurs, or if shortness of breath develops after treatment on the chest.

Cost & Insurance

Neural therapy is not among the complementary medicine methods that are covered wholesale by the basic insurance. Depending on the situation, the doctor may bill individual services as part of regular pain medicine treatment through the basic insurance; specifically neural therapy sessions, however, are frequently covered by supplementary insurance for complementary medicine or paid for privately. Because the handling differs depending on the insurer and circumstances, it is best to ask the practice and your insurer before beginning treatment what will be covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does neural therapy hurt?: The insertion of the fine needles is briefly noticeable; the anaesthetic often burns for a moment during injection. Afterwards, a numb or warm feeling usually spreads. Most people find the treatment quite tolerable.
How quickly does the treatment work?: Because of the anaesthetic, pain often subsides immediately; this effect is initially temporary. Whether lasting improvement occurs becomes apparent over the course of the treatment series — if it does not, the approach should be reconsidered.
Is the efficacy scientifically proven?: Only to a limited extent. There are many anecdotal reports and some smaller studies, but no proven evidence according to current scientific standards for most areas of application. A reputable doctor will discuss this openly with you and ensure that serious causes of your complaints have been ruled out beforehand.
How many sessions are usual?: Often a short series of approximately three to six treatments is begun. If there is no improvement after that, continuing is usually not sensible — in that case it is worth looking at other treatment options.
Will I be fit to drive afterwards?: Usually yes. Directly after the injections, circulatory reactions or a queasy feeling can occur — wait at the practice until you feel stable. After treatments that anaesthetise larger regions, it is best to discuss the journey home with the doctor beforehand.