If you’re experiencing back pain, you are certainly not alone. 8 out of 10 Americans experience a bout of back pain at least once one or more times. It is also the leading cause of disability in the world! Regardless of why you’re having back pain, there are numerous options in order to improve your quality of life and reduce your pain levels. Let’s explore if acupuncture for back pain is a viable treatment option.
Is Acupuncture Effective for Back Pain?
The honest answer is “it depends.” It depends on what’s causing the pain. Are you dealing with a herniated disc or nerve compression? Or are you experiencing muscle weakness (or tightness) that is causing chronic discomfort? When the issue is structural in nature, our application of acupuncture is mostly used to reduce the pain and inflammation but it is not likely able to resolve the pain completely. If your pain is more functional in nature, then acupuncture many be just the answer you’re looking for. Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for back pain. The results are generally positive, with many patients reporting significant pain relief. For instance, a review published in the Journal of Pain found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic low back pain and offers better results compared to no treatment or standard care alone.
How Does it Work?
From a Western medical perspective, the exact mechanisms by which acupuncture alleviates pain are not fully understood. However, several theories have been proposed:
Neurotransmitter Release: Acupuncture may stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. This can help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being.
Nervous System Regulation: Inserting needles at specific points may influence the central and peripheral nervous systems, leading to changes in pain perception and reducing the sensation of pain.
Blood Flow Improvement: Acupuncture can enhance blood circulation in the affected area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Muscle Relaxation: The practice can also help relax tight muscles, which are often a source of back pain.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
No two people will get the exact same acupuncture treatment. After your acupuncturist does an intake, your treatment will be customized to your specific needs. However, there are many similarities between treatments, which we will discuss here.
- Needle Insertion: Tiny acupuncture needles will be inserted in the muscles of your back, many of which are entirely painless. Most people report feeling some dull, achy sensations followed by a deep state of relaxation. You many also have needles in varied spots of your body, including your legs, hands and ears. These points are often chosen to help increase blood circulation and calm the nervous system, since pain is highly stimulating.
- Rest Time: Next up is 30-45 minutes of chill out time. This is the time when the needles “marinate”, if you will. During this time, many patients will fall asleep or just enjoy the down time that comes along with the treatment. However, you are welcome to “entertain” yourself by choosing your music preferences or loading up an audiobook or podcast on your phone.
- Extras: Sometimes your treatment will include electro-acupuncture, which is the addition of a tens-like machine to further increase blood flow and reduce muscle relaxation. Most back pain treatments will conclude with 10 minutes of static cupping. Cupping will further relax the muscles and really provides the “cherry on top” of an already relaxing treatment. For more info on cupping, check out this page.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a time-honored practice that offers a natural and holistic approach to managing back pain. While more research is always needed to fully understand how it works, many people find relief through regular acupuncture sessions. If you are considering this treatment, consult with a qualified acupuncturist to determine if it is the right option for you.