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Acupuncture For Back Pain Relief

Nearly 65 million Americans have reported a back pain episode. 8% of adults experience persistent or chronic back pain as a result of performing certain everyday activities. 

Economic Impact of Back Pain

Back pain is a matter that needs to be taken seriously, as it’s the sixth most costly condition in the United States. Patients with back pain require more than $90 billion in annual expenses for health care. Approximately $26 billion is spent on the treatment of back pain.

Among working adults, almost 64% of those with back pain, have missed at least one day of work in the past year due to illness or injury. Back pain may not only have an impact on work. It affects other activities as well. Adults with back pain spend around 14.5 days in bed a year.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Acupuncture works particularly well and it is now viewed as an acceptable supplementary treatment for certain low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis conditions. It is a reasonable option for people with chronic pain to consider.

Back Pain Symptoms and Causes

Back pain is generally defined as a dull ache in the lumbosacral area with episodic aching in the posterior aspect of both thighs, which worsens with prolonged standing and sitting. 

About 90% of acute episodes resolve within six weeks. However, over 25% of patients have recurrent pain within the next year. If the pain gradually increases, despite pain medications, physical therapy, and two epidural corticosteroid injections, it may be considered chronic back pain (experienced by 7% of patients).

Individuals experiencing the following symptoms, whether mild or severe, may be experiencing back pain: 

• Pain in the back that is dull or achy 
• Stinging, burning pain radiating from the lower back to the backs of the thighs.
• Spasms in the lower back, pelvis, and hips
• Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
• Difficulty standing, sitting, and walking.

Frequent causes of back pain include: 

• Strained muscles or ligaments
• Muscle spasms or tension
• Damaged disks
• Injuries, fractures, or falls
• Physical activities such as lifting something heavy improperly or making an abrupt movement that can lead to strains or spasms 
• Everyday activities or poor posture such as standing or sitting for long periods, twisting, pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying something; straining the neck forward, such as when driving or using a computer or even sleeping on a mattress that does not support the body and keep the spine straight

Acupuncture for Back Pain Relief

Clinical trials of acupuncture for chronic low back pain have shown higher rates of symptom improvement with either acupuncture or sham acupuncture than with traditional care. Acupuncture is considered to be an alternative or complementary medicine. As a result, it is not often the first choice of therapy. However, it should be considered before or in conjunction with conventional treatment, such as physical therapy, pain medication, and exercise. 

When it comes to acupuncture, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Acupuncture is a regulated discipline, and patients should be referred only to practitioners who are licensed. 

About the Session

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at certain points on the body. Stimulating these points improves the flow of energy, relieves pain, and improves health.

During an acupuncture session for low back pain, the patient lies prone on a treatment couch, exposing the area where the needles will be inserted. The depth of needle insertion, diameter, length, and a number of needles used, vary among practitioners.

After insertion of the needles, the patient is advised to relax and rest with the needles left in place, typically for 15 to 30 minutes. The needles stimulate the central nervous system, causing the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either alter the experience of pain or produce bodily changes that promote a sense of wellbeing.

Frequently, the practitioner stimulates the needles manually. They may also stimulate the needle with electrical current or perform moxibustion, or employ heat. In the recent trials of acupuncture for low back pain, a minimum of 12 sessions of acupuncture were administered, often starting with 2 sessions a week and tapering off after 4 weeks to once weekly.

Next Steps

In addition to acupuncture, the following activities may prevent or lower the risk of back pain: 

• Exercising regularly
• Adequate ingestion of calcium and vitamin D 
• Keeping a healthy body weight
• Maintaining a neutral pelvic position
• Using low-heeled shoes
• Having a mattress that keeps the spine straight

Call Dr. Michael Newman

If you’re experiencing back pain symptoms, don’t wait. Acupuncture may be the ideal solution. Dr. Michael Newman, workers compensation Miami Chiropractor, offers the best holistic treatments, from chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture to massage, all blended with the latest medical therapies in nutrition, biochemistry, and deep electrical muscle stimulation.

Our approach to helping patients achieve pain-free living, improved flexibility, and breakthrough physical performance is truly unique and second to none in South Florida. Join the 3,500 satisfied patients! Call us for a consultation today at 305-666-1402.