Chronic back pain is a common condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While surgery is sometimes necessary for severe cases, there are many non-surgical management practices and treatment options that can help alleviate chronic back pain.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. It is often used to treat chronic pain, including back pain. Acupuncture works by releasing natural painkillers, such as endorphins, and reducing inflammation.
Research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic back pain. A 2018 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in chronic low back pain compared to no treatment.
Another study published in the Journal of Pain found that acupuncture was more effective than standard care for reducing back pain in a primary care setting.
If you're considering acupuncture for chronic back pain, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to find a licensed and experienced acupuncturist who can provide safe and effective treatment. Second, it may take several sessions to see significant improvement, so it's important to be patient and consistent with your treatment.
In addition to Acupuncture, there are several other non-surgical management practices and treatment options for chronic back pain. According to this article by Johns Hopkins...
PHYSICAL THERAPY: A physical therapist can teach you exercises and stretches that can help improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in your back.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE: A chiropractor can perform spinal manipulation and other manual therapies to relieve pressure on the nerves and improve spinal alignment.
MASSAGE THERAPY: A massage therapist can use various techniques to relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain and stiffness.
MIND-BODY PRACTICES: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can in turn alleviate back pain.
HEAT AND COLD THERAPY: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN MEDICATIONS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
INJECTIONS: If conservative treatments are not effective, injections of corticosteroids or other medications may be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
If you're interested in trying Acupuncture for chronic back pain, there are many resources available to help you find a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) offers a directory of licensed acupuncturists in the United States. All of the Acupuncturists at Modern Acupuncture are licensed and have a minimum of 2000 hours of training to offer you the best care.
Chronic back pain is a common condition that can be challenging to manage. Acupuncture is one of several non-surgical management practices and treatment options that can help alleviate back pain and improve overall well-being. By working with your Acupuncturist, you can find a treatment plan that works for you and helps you live a more comfortable, pain-free life, naturally.
Modern Acupuncture® is a natural pain relief solution and the leading provider of Acupuncture in the U.S. The most studied theories show that Acupuncture stimulates the body to release naturally produced “feel good” endorphins and stimulate the parasympathetic or “rest and digest” response in our body.
Visit our All About Acupuncture page, where we unpack everything about this ancient technique. From its inception in China over 3,000 years ago, to its gradual increase in popularity in the US.
Find your nearest Modern Acupuncture franchise, choose the treatment(s) you need and book an appointment!