How Can Acupuncture Help Back Pain?

Back pain is more common than you think. A study found that it affects around 1 in 10 people worldwide. Some studies have concluded that almost 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives.

Many people with chronic back pain struggle with maintaining their daily routine. They are unable to participate in their favorite activities and may report a lower quality of life.

In some cases, back pain can cause bladder problems or is accompanied by a fever.

Causes and Risk Factors

Back pain can result from a muscle, ligament, or tendon strain caused by an injury or incorrect posture. It is prevalent among people whose jobs involve lifting heavy weight.

Other common reasons include structural issues such as bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, osteoporosis, infections and injuries.

Older adults, people who carry extra weight, individuals with psychological conditions, chain smokers, and those with sedentary lifestyles are at high risk for back pain.

How can Acupuncture Help?

Many people with chronic back pain use acupuncture to manage their condition and improve their range of motion.

Several studies have found that acupuncture may relieve back pain. It is safer than many other treatment modalities that use medications. There are no major side effects of acupuncture. It can be used as an adjunct to several other modalities or as a standalone therapy.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture for pain in Sonoma County stimulates the nervous system to release pain-relieving chemicals into the spinal cord, muscles, and brain. Neurotransmitters stimulate or dampen nerve impulses. Some studies have found that acupuncture can help make modifications to the brain’s chemistry by releasing neurotransmitters or neurohormones.

Acupuncturists are trained to insert paper thin needles at strategic points on the body to trigger electromagnetic impulses that help improve the way the body handles pain.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that pain is caused by energy blockages. Acupuncture can help remove energy blockages that can occur in different parts of the body, allowing it to flow naturally through the body.

Stress can cause back pain. Acupuncture can alleviate stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, naturally occurring pain-chemicals in the brain.

Some common acupuncture points for lower back pain include the foot, hand, back of the knees, hip, hand, stomach and lower back. Common acupoints for upper back pain are the upper back, shoulders, head and neck.

Acupuncture originated around 3,000 years ago. Acupuncture Mama is committed to raise awareness about the ancient Chinese practice. We equip people with the knowledge required to make informed decisions to better their wellness through holistic self-care in Sonoma County. To learn more, call (707) 303-7200.