Acupuncture has gained wide recognition as an effective treatment for managing many types of pain, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and, yes, back pain. However, while acupuncture has been practiced for over three millennia, it has only recently started to gain acceptance in the West. Thus, it wouldn’t be too surprising if you are a bit skeptical. So let’s discuss how acupuncture for back pain works, its benefits, and how it can help you lead a pain-free life.
Acupuncture for Back Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), back pain is often thought to be caused by a blockage or imbalance of life energy (referred to as ‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’) in the body. The human body has 14 pathways, called meridians in TCM, through which energy flows; the Qi in the meridians can be accessed and manipulated through 361 standardized acupoints. Inserting acupuncture needles into acupoints in specific combinations can unblock the flow of energy and restore balance to the body, ultimately providing relief from back pain.
The Take of Contemporary Medicine on Acupuncture for Back Pain
In Western medicine, the concept of Qi is not recognized. However, that does not mean that acupuncture is ineffective according to modern medicine, just that the accepted principles of how it works are different. Pain management acupuncture provides pain relief by stimulating the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, such as endorphins, and may also affect the way the brain processes pain signals. Additionally, acupuncture may help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the affected area, which can also help to alleviate pain.
Importantly, acupuncture, and acupuncture for back pain specifically, has been extensively studied to test whether the effects are just placebo by comparing it to sham acupuncture and, if not, how effective acupuncture is in managing back pain. One systemic review that examined the effects of acupuncture on four chronic pain conditions – musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and shoulder pain, and included data from 39 medical trials encompassing 20,827 patients determined that acupuncture treatments are effective for treating chronic pain conditions and also found ‘…clear evidence that the effects of acupuncture persist over time…’
Another systemic review that focused on musculoskeletal pain found similar results – that acupuncture can provide patients with pain relief and disability improvement. This study encompassed 63 studies and 6,382 patients. Finally, an overview of systemic reviews that focused solely on the effectiveness of acupuncture for lower back pain found that acupuncture, either in isolation or adjunct to conventional medical treatment, can provide pain relief and functional improvement in patients with chronic lower back pain.
What an Acupuncture Treatment Is Like
An acupuncture procedure involves the insertion of very fine needles into acupoints to promote the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional wellness. Your acupuncturist will first conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of pain and which acupoints will provide the best results.
They will also check whether you have any medical conditions, such as a bleeding disorder, or if you’re taking medicine, such as anticoagulants, that could cause complications. During an acupuncture treatment for back pain, acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body that correspond to the area of pain.
The needle insertion process is done carefully and diligently to minimize tissue damage. The needles will typically be left in place for half an hour to forty-five minutes, depending on the severity of the pain. Infrared lamps or electrical stimulation are also sometimes used during an acupuncture session to enhance the effects.
Advantages of Acupuncture for Back Pain
Some of the advantages of acupuncture for back pain that you should experience after treatments are:
- Pain relief: Acupuncture effectively reduces pain and discomfort in the back. The needles stimulate the body’s natural chemicals that help to relieve pain. It can provide both short-term relief and help manage chronic back pain.
- Improved flexibility and range of motion: Acupuncture can help improve flexibility and range of motion in the back, reducing the risk of further injury and promoting healing.
- Reduced inflammation: Inflammation is a common cause of back pain. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation in the affected area, alleviating both pain and discomfort.
- Minimal side effects: Acupuncture is a safe alternative treatment for back pain. Conventional treatments for back pain are typically based on pharmaceuticals and can include anything from muscle relaxants to epidural steroids to antidepressants. These medications can have serious side effects, from drowsiness to a negative impact on gastrointestinal functions. Conversely, acupuncture side effects are minimal and generally well-tolerated.
- Customized treatment: Acupuncture treatment is tailored to each individual’s specific needs. The acupuncturist will assess the patient’s symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific back pain concerns.
So, Can I Use Acupuncture for Back Pain?
Overall, acupuncture is considered a safe and effective therapy for treating back pain, both in isolation and as a complementary treatment. It reduces the need for pain medication and improves the quality of life and daily activities. It is important to note that acupuncture should sometimes be used alongside other pain management methods, such as physical therapy and/or primary physicians’ recommendations.
And most importantly, it should be performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Dr. Mitra Daneshrad is a licensed acupuncturist with over 20 years of experience in treating back pain with acupuncture and has provided pain relief for hundreds of patients. She offers acupuncture for pain management at BH Acuhealth Clinic, her licensed clinic in Beverly Hills.
Make an appointment and Dr. Mitra will do a thorough examination so that she can create a customized treatment plan that will help you manage back pain going forward and improve your mobility. You have dealt with the pain long enough, let us give you the treatment you deserve.
