Back pain is a common health complaint and can be debilitating, causing chronic pain and loss of function. Pain medications are commonly prescribed for back pain. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for ailments including back pain and may help patients deal with pain in a more natural way.
Definition
Acupuncture involves inserting extremely fine needles into the skin to various depths along certain points on the body. The Mayo Clinic notes that the practice of acupuncture originated thousands of years ago in China. It is traditionally explained as a technique to balance the flow of a life force called qi or chi in the body's pathways or meridians. Some Western acupuncture practitioners view these points as spots to stimulate nerves that affect the muscles and increase blood flow.
Back Pain
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that back pain affects millions of people and lower back pain is one of the most common reasons that individuals seek medical care. It is also a common reason for seeking acupuncture treatments. Acute or chronic back pain can be caused by problems or injuries in the muscles, nerves and vertebrae of the back.
Uses
When practiced by trained professionals, acupuncture is a proven effective therapy for pain in the body, including arthritis, headaches, asthma, allergies, back pain and gastrointestinal disorders as listed by the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine. Acupuncture treatment may help increase natural pain reducers in the body, improve blood flow, stimulate nerve activity and improve muscle function. These benefits of acupuncture help to treat chronic back pain.
Benefits
The University of Maryland Department of Anesthesiology recommends acupuncture for its benefits before and after a surgery. It helps the patient remain relaxed and feel less pain and may even help her require less sedatives during the surgery. Afterward, acupuncture may help the body deal with the stress of surgery and help with pain, nausea, decreased gut motility and anxiety. It may also help decrease side effects of surgeries, procedures and medications taken for back pain and other health reasons.
Warning
Acupuncture may cause side effects and complications in some people. The Mayo Clinic warns that it can cause soreness, tenderness, bleeding, bruising or an infection at the needle sites. This is less likely when acupuncture is practiced by a trained and licensed therapist. Its best to consult a doctor for a referral to a reputable acupuncturist. Acupuncture is not a cure for back problems, but in most individuals, the pain should decrease after a few treatments. In some individuals acupuncture may not help back pain or may be useful along with other treatments such as physiotherapy or chiropractic adjustments.
