Acupuncture has proven to have many positive effects on the body and mind and is becoming more and more common as an alternative medical treatment every day. According to WebMD, acupuncture for lower back pain is the number one reported reason people seek out acupuncture. The same article states that “guidelines from the American Pain Society and American College of Physicians say doctors should consider acupuncture as an alternative therapy for patients with chronic low-back pain that’s not helped by conventional treatment.”
There have been numerous studies, firsthand experiences and surveys that show acupuncture for lower back pain really works. Many patients with lower back pain go through endless doctor appointments, chiropractor appointments and pain medications, without ever finding a solution that really works. Acupuncture for lower back pain relief is natural, originating from China more than 2,500 years ago. Acupuncture is completely safe, natural and non-addictive. The best thing about acupuncture, however, is that there are numerous studies and evidence that prove its effectiveness.
Causes and Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain may occur from a number of different reasons. The pain may result from an injury, or come from skeletal, muscular or nerve issues. The body’s largest vertebrae are found in the lumbar spine, supporting most of the weight of the upper body. These vertebrae are highly susceptible to degeneration and injury, and an injury at one spinal level can cause a number of symptoms. If you started experiencing lower back pain from a sports injury, Endpoint Wellness can also assist in the healing of your injury through sports acupuncture. No matter what the cause is, lower back pain is always uncomfortable and the pain should be managed as early on as possible. Symptoms of lower back pain include:
- Dull, aching pain
- Pain that travels to the buttocks, legs, and feet
- Pain that is worse after prolonged sitting
- Pain that feels better when changing positions
- Pain that is worse after waking up and better after moving around
If you have any or all of these symptoms, you should consider contacting Endpoint Wellness today for a consultation on how acupuncture can help your lower back pain.
How Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain Works
Acupuncture is described as the insertion of anywhere from 1 to 20 thin needles into the skin, ranging from less than one to several inches long. The needles are inserted at different “acupoints” throughout the body which are connected by different pathways or “meridians.” When these acupoints – more than 2,000 throughout the body – are stimulated, it improves the flow of energy throughout the body, or qi. As mentioned earlier, there are many different healing powers of acupuncture, but acupuncture for lower back pain is one of the most common and sought-after benefits.
There are many different theories on why acupuncture works for relieving lower back pain. The most common one is that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system which causes the release of opioids, naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that block the feeling of pain. Another theory is that acupuncture stimulates the electromagnetic points in the body, which is believed to start the flow of endorphins, another natural painkiller in the body. It is also said that the stimulation of these electromagnetic points could cause the release of immune cells throughout the body, also promoting healing of the damaged area.
The last theory is that acupuncture activates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, altering the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Neurotransmitters are altered in a way that dampens nerve impulses, reducing the pain, and neurohormones are altered to positively affect the function or activity of an organ in the bod, according to WebMD. Both WebMD and spine-health.com cited these as possible reasons acupuncture is effective, as well as a plethora of other evidence.
The aftermath of acupuncture includes increased range of movement and reduce your pain while your body naturally repairs injured or degenerated tissues. We have some more natural ways to relieve back pain as well! Endpoint Wellness will work with you to determine the type of acupuncture treatment best suited for your back pain to find relief. Contact us today for a consultation and acupuncture appointment with Dr. Geoffrey N. Hayes.
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