How Is Acupuncture Beneficial for Back Pain?

There's evidence of acupuncture being practiced in ancient China with sharpened stones and bones. Today, the treatment is performed with sterilized needles carefully inserted into strategic pressure points. Acupuncture is a practice based on the belief that imbalances within a person's "life force" (referred to as qi or chi) may be the cause of some instances of spine-related pain. Acupuncture targets 12 energy pathways to restore energy flow. If you haven't yet considered acupuncture to manage your back pain, here are a few possible benefits you may gain from this approach to pain management.

Less Reliance on Medication

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) commonly prescribed for back pain can have potentially serious side effects such as an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers. Acupuncture may ease your reliance on medication by stimulating your nervous system in a way that triggers the release of chemicals that alter the perception of pain. Acupuncture can also contribute to medication-free pain relief by: • Increasing the production of the body's "feel-good hormones" known as endorphins • Releasing immune system cells in the body • Altering brain chemistry • Dampening nerve impulses Enhanced Mood and ReducedStress Persistent stress and anxiety can affect how back pain is perceived and even contribute to it. Because acupuncture often promotes mind-body relaxation in a waysimilar to what some people experience with yoga and meditation, sessions may ease stress and boost mood enough to change perceptions of pain. When the body isn't as stressed, spine-supporting muscles are less likely to be tense, which could contribute to noticeable pain relief. There's also evidence suggesting acupuncture may regulate cortisol, a hormone the body produces in response to stress. Healthier Immune System Relieving stress may have the related benefit of helping the body's immune system work better. An immune system that's working as efficiently as possible is more likely to be able to help the spine recover from mild sources of inflammation or irritation that can sometimes make existing back pain symptoms worse. Better Control of Underlying Health Issues Underlying health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure can affect how blood circulates, which may slow down the natural healing process in and around the spine. Studies suggest the strategic insertion of needles may lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels in parts of the body where it's not regulated effectively. Note: In clinical trials involving acupuncture on diabetic patients, no serious side effects have been reported. Relief from Common Sources of Back Pain Various studies have associated acupuncture with relief from cancer-related nausea, chronic or severe headaches, and myofascial pain. Additional research suggests acupuncture may also ease or eliminate pain related to some of the more common sources of back pain, including: • Osteoarthritis affecting joints or bones of the spine • Back pain related to soft tissue strains or sprains • Sciatica or similar sources of lower back and leg pain Acupuncture is meant to complement existing treatments for back pain, but it's not for everyone. If you're not thrilled about the use of needles, you may benefit from other pain management methods that don’t involve surgery. Options include tai chi, chiropractic adjustments, Pilates, certain types of yoga, aromatherapy, massage therapy, and various forms of active and passive physical therapy.

If you’ve been experiencing back pain for a long time and holistic methods aren’t helping, you may need to speak with a Los Angeles spine surgeon about your options for surgery. Call The Spine Institute today at 310-828-7757 to schedule an in-person evaluation.

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