IS ACUPUNCTURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN EFFECTIVE?
Acupuncture For Low Back Pain
Back pain (particularly lower back pain) is a common chronic pain problem. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese physical therapy that has become a popular and thoroughly researched method for managing this pain.
How Acupuncture Helps Lower Back Pain
Acupuncture relieves back pain by targeting pressure points in the back of the body. Needles are inserted at various points that correspond to the body's "energy centers" or meridians. Acupuncture can use to affect the lower back through a variety of meridians, including but not limited to:
- Hands
- Hips
- Feet
- Lower back
- Back of the knees
The needles are inserted into specific nerve clusters around these areas, which are thought to help relieve lower back tension, pressure, and pain. It's important to keep in mind that acupuncture has different meridians for pain in different parts of the body. Each needle is focused on a specific area, allowing for more localized treatment.
But how does sticking your body with needles help with lower back pain? There are three major theories as to why this is helpful:
1. Neurotransmitter release
Acupuncture can reduce pain by stimulating the various hormones activated when the body detects needle entry. By sticking needles in the correct areas, an acupuncturist can encourage the production of hormones that regulate the function of your nerve endings.
By affecting nerve endings, acupuncture can effectively trick the body into shutting off areas so that the patient does not feel pain. It is important to note that this treatment is only temporary because neurotransmitters regrow over time. On the other hand, Acupuncture can help the body condition itself to ignore or numb the pain.
2. Effects on the nervous system
The body reacts in various ways to pain. Because acupuncture needles are not serious enough to merit a full-on nervous response, it is thought that they influence the nervous system in other ways. According to a theory, acupuncture trigger points or meridians stimulate the nervous system by activating its reaction in a way that helps manage pain.
Acupuncture may influence your brain by allowing it to react to specific trigger points each time a needle is inserted, so your nervous system compensates or focuses on that point rather than the site causing you active pain. Again, these effects are temporary, but repeated sessions can provide relative short-term pain relief.
3. Chemical release
Finally, when your body is injured, acupuncture may stimulate the centers of your body that release pain-relieving chemicals. These chemicals are normally only released during active or severe trauma; thus, they are not activated in chronic pain. However, because needles have such a widespread effect on the body, it is more likely to respond by releasing these natural pain relievers.
While these pain relievers aren't as strong as opioids like morphine, their compatibility with your body implies that regular acupuncture sessions can effectively condition their release. However, it runs into the same issue: while it is excellent for pain management, it may be less effective for long-term pain relief.
Even though the exact mechanics of acupuncture are not fully understood, studies on its effects on people suffering from chronic pain are quite promising. While it is not a primary treatment method, there is enough evidence for patients to consider acupuncture as an alternative technique of pain management.
What you should know about Acupuncture and Back Pain
When performed by a certified acupuncturist, acupuncture is a safe procedure and therapy.
Acupuncture should not be performed by anyone who is not qualified or certified. It is helpful to conduct background research on a practitioner. Instead, speak with someone you trust who has seen an acupuncturist for back pain. Inquire about the practitioners they would recommend or refer.
Acupuncture patients may experience soreness, bruising, and minor bleeding at puncture sites. These problems should clear up and go away in a few days. It also poses little to no risk to one's overall health.
Certain types of acupuncture may stimulate labor and delivery if you are pregnant. Discuss your pregnancy with your acupuncturist ahead of time.
Acupuncture poses some health risks if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. Before beginning therapy, make sure to address your concerns and medications with your acupuncturist. Bleeding can occur during therapy, but it is rare.
Needles must be disposable and sterile. However, keep the puncture sites clean after each session to avoid infection. If you see a well-trained professional, the risk of infection is small.
Acupuncture Treatment in Omaha, NE
Komp Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic in Omaha, NE, has years of experience treating back pain with personalized and effective solutions. With targeted treatments and an emphasis on exceptional customer service, we help our clients overcome and manage chronic or acute spinal conditions. Visit our clinic now to learn more about the services we can offer you.
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