Acupuncture for Back Pain
Nearly 8 out of every 10 people will have back pain at some point in life. Back pain is one of the top reasons people seek medical treatment. It is also the No. 1 reported reason for seeking acupuncture. The good news is chronic back pain is one of the conditions that research suggests acupuncture may be an effective tool for treating.

One recent review of 22 acupuncture studies showed that it provided short-term relief from chronic back pain. It also showed there was greater improvement in pain for people who got acupuncture compared to those who received a “sham” treatment.

How does it work?
The effects of acupuncture come from stimulating the central nervous system. This triggers the release of endorphins into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. Endorphins are the body's natural pain relieving chemicals. These chemicals help to relieve pain and produce bodily changes that promote a sense of well-being.

What causes pain?
From a Chinese Medical perspective, pain is caused by a stagnation of qi and blood. Stagnation of qi and blood can be caused by a number of conditions:
  • Physical injury
  • Poor postural habits
  • Repetitive motions
  • Lack of exercise
  • Emotional trauma
  • Poor sleep habits
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Degenerative disorders
  • Toxic accumulation
  • Chronic illness
  • Aging
When treating back pain with Chinese medicine, it is important to first understand the underlying causes and then treat the root of the problem along with the symptoms.
Using Chinese medicine to treat back pain
Acupuncture is only one of many modalities used in Chinese medicine to treat back pain. Other modalities include:
  • Chinese herbs
  • Massage therapy
  • Moxibustion
  • Cupping
  • Guasha
  • Hot & cold compresses
  • Herbal lineaments
  • Nutritional therapy
Combining acupuncture with additional modalities greatly increases the therapeutic results.
Click Here to learn more about additional therapies.

How long does it take to get results?
Results can vary from person to person depending on their age, state of health, type of condition, onset, and how well the patient complies with treatment recommendations. Some people will notice improvement after the first treatment. For others, it may take several weeks. On the average, most people will notice a vast improvement within six weeks coming 1-2 times per week.