How Can Acupuncture Help Low Back Pain?

Pain, soreness and/or numbness of muscles, tendons and joints will affect practically everyone at some point in their lives.  Whether the pain is acute, chronic or recurrent, acupuncture may be helpful in pain management.

Repetitive or overuse injuries, athletic injuries, motor vehicle accidents or work place accidents may cause pain, soreness or numbness due to obstruction of Qi (energy – pronounced chee) and blood circulation in the channels of the body. For example, shoulder pain is one of the more common complaints that can arise from repetitive movements or overuse or injury.  It can occur in the office if a worker who repeatedly lifts their shoulders to put files away into a file cabinet, a server who carries food trays over their head, or the tennis player who repeats the same service strokes.  Other complaints include neck pain, back pain, sciatica, elbow pain (including tennis elbow), wrist pain (including carpal tunnel syndrome), knee pain and ankle pain… to name a few.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the human body is looked upon as an integrated energy system.  Stimulating one area of the energy system will have an effect on other areas.  Did you know that your body is constantly trying to maintain homeostasis by balancing its energy systems?  This balance is referred to as Yin and Yang.

Low back pain is one of the most frequent problems treated by health care providers.  The lower or lumbar spine is a complex structure that provides you with both mobility and strength. The mobility allows movements such as turning, twisting or bending; and the strength allows you to stand, walk and lift.  Proper functioning of your lower back is needed for almost all activities of daily living, and pain in the lower back can restrict activity and reduce quality of life. 

There are many conditions that can cause low back pain, some of which are congenital such as scoliosis. Most causes of low back pain, however, result from injury or trauma.  Some of the common causes of low back pain include muscle strain, bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica or sacroiliac joint inflammation.

Low back pain can be associated with numbness and tingling (which may travel to one or both legs and feet), pain, stiffness, and weakness.  Low back pain may make it difficult for one to walk, sit or stand for long periods of time.  Tasks such as trying to bend down to put on a sock, taking the garbage out or gardening may also be difficult.

Learning proper techniques of stretching as well as how to safely bend and lift are good practices to deal with the symptoms of low back pain.

How Does Acupuncture Help Low Back Pain?

The goal of acupuncture treatment for low back pain is to reduce swelling and inflammation, thereby relieving pain.  Acupuncture points are utilized to relax the muscles that act on the low back.  This will allow for increased movement and decreased pain.  Chinese massage techniques are also utilized to achieve the same goal.  In recent studies, acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect in restoring lower back movement and decreasing pain.

In my practice at Penticton Naturopath Clinic, I integrate East and West medicine to obtain a diagnosis and treatment plan.  Lifestyle recommendations are made where applicable.

I invite you to explore this safe and effective method of pain management. Contact the clinic at 250.492.3181 today to book an appointment.