Acupuncture: An Important Treatment for Lower Back Pain
It is estimated that low back pain affects more than 619 million people and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Some common causes of low back pain (LBP) include muscle sprains or strains, a herniated disc, unusual spine curvatures, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Depending on the cause, LBP can range from dull and mild to severe, persistent, and debilitating. LBP is one of the most common causes of people missing work and seeing a doctor.
The Multifaceted Impact of Lower Back Pain
Many people with low back pain stop exercising as they’re afraid that certain exercises may aggravate pain. They also stop going out to avoid their pain triggers. Studies have linked physical inactivity and social isolation to increased risk of chronic diseases. People with severe LBP can experience mobility problems and may need help with activities of daily living. Such people may have low self-esteem and confidence.
How to Tell If You Have Lower Back Pain?
Some common symptoms of LBP include numbness or weakness, pain when resting or sitting for long periods, pain when lifting heavy objects or bending down, pain that radiates from the glutes or hips, and stiffness after a period of inactivity. Some fewer common signs of LBP include loss of bowel control, unexplained weight loss, fever, and pain in the legs and the back.
Consequences of Untreated Lower Back Pain
Ignoring low back pain can prove to be a costly mistake. Untreated LBP can worsen over time and affect one’s mental health. Though in most cases, low back pain is caused by an underlying condition, pain can become a primary condition if left untreated.
Untreated low back pain increases the risk of disability. As the pain intensifies, you may lose your motivation to exercise and slip into an inactive lifestyle, which can increase your risk of a chronic illness. Many people who ignore LBP seek solace in drugs when their pain becomes unbearable.
Acupuncture For Lower Back Pain
Acupuncture is an integral part of TCM. It involves inserting needles into the skin at strategic points to heal energy blockages and restore and balance Qi. Acupuncture clinics in Santa Rosa use different TCM techniques to treat everything from the common cold to chronic pain.
Here are some ways in which acupuncture can help ease LBP.
➢ Acupuncture stimulates the brain, spinal cord, and muscles to release pain-relieving chemicals that promote well-being.
➢ It stimulates the release of opioid-like chemicals. These chemicals naturally occur in the body, and like opioids, have pain-relieving properties.
➢ Acupuncture stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, hormones that send messages to regulate the on-off mechanisms of nerve endings.
➢ The ancient Chinese medical technique triggers electromagnetic impulses in the body. These impulses help the body deal with pain swiftly.
Acupuncture Mama is a local acupuncture clinic located in Santa Rosa committed to helping people struggling with lower back pain break the cycle of pain and take control. Regardless of the type of pain you are struggling with, our acupuncturists can develop a customized treatment plan that targets its root cause. To make an appointment, call 707-303-7200.
