Oz, those acupuncture needles can be just as bad as they can be good. I have had plenty of acupuncture just as you (damn car accident) and the needles can be placed to remove pain or to relax muscles or to actually cause pain (I am sure you know that)
Worse point I ever have had a needle in was on the outside of the foot. That thing hurt like heck and I still have no idea what the outside of my foot had to do with my back, but that needle was supposed to be good.
Cant say that I am very knowledgeable in needleplay per say though.