For children suffering from painful conditions, medication isn't always the answer. The National Institutes of Health now recognizes acupuncture an option, KNBC's Dr. Bruce Hensel reported.

Acupuncture patient Lauren Crandall, 11, isn't afraid of needles.

"Pretty much like a couple minutes after, I feel better and more relaxed," Crandall said.

Crandall has fibromyalgia, a chronic condition with symptoms ranging from fatigue to chronic pain. Researchers estimate up to 40 percent of children with chronic pain have juvenile fibromyalgia, Hensel reported.

"What I use acupuncture for is pain management, mainly muscular pain, headaches, stomach pain," said Dr. Lynn Rusy.

Rusy, a pediatric anesthesiologist with training in acupuncture, said the ancient Chinese treatment has a sound medical basis.

"When needles are in place in certain parts in the body, it stimulates the release of endorphins from the body, from the brain, that are natural pain, pain relieving agents," Rusy said.

Rusy said patients often rely too long on traditional medicine before trying acupuncture.

"It's going to take a lot of acupuncture to even move the energy in their body and get them better again. But frequently, it works," Rusy said.

About 8.2 million American adults have used acupuncture at some point in their lives, Hensel reported.

Crandall assured other children that the procedure doesn't hurt that much.

"The baby shots at the doctor's are probably three or four, and these are probably like a one and two," Crandall said.

Rusy said that in addition to using acupuncture for pain relief, she's also had success treating nausea triggered by chemotherapy or anesthesia.

More Resources:

• American Academy Of Medical Acupuncture
• National Center For Complementary Medicine
• American College Of Rheumatology
• American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association
• Arthritis Foundation
• Fibromyalgia Network
• National Fibromyalgia Association
• National Institute Of Arthritis And Musculoskeletal And Skin Diseases