The Effectivity of Acupuncture for Treating Lower Back Pain
As its popularity is increasing, acupuncture is used by approximately ten million Americans each year as a non-invasive alternative to medical treatment. So far, research suggests that it is also a beneficial treatment for those who suffer from back pain. This could also mean that patients and professionals are finding more ways to treat pain without the use of pain medication.
Read on to discover more about the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating lower back pain.
Understanding Acupuncture as a Treatment
Because it is based on Chinese traditional medicine rather than Western medicine, acupuncture is a contentious treatment method. On the surface, it appears ineffective, except that it has been in existence for a long time. In fact, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, menstrual pain, migraines, insomnia, and even period cramps.
Acupuncture may also be used to treat chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and back. While some aspects of acupuncture’s philosophy are difficult to accept, such as energy balance and qi, its medical benefits are well documented.
Acupuncture for Back Pain
Acupuncture relieves back pain by precisely stimulating pressure points in the back. Needles are inserted into the body at points that roughly correspond to “energy centres” or meridians, such as but not limited to hands, hips, lower back, feet, and the back of the knees. The needles are thought to help relieve lower back tension, pressure, and pain.
The 3 Major Theories
1. Acupuncture and the Neurotransmitter Influx
Acupuncture can help with pain relief by activating hormones released by the body in response to needle insertion. When used correctly, acupuncturists can stimulate the production of hormones that aid in nerve function regulation. This causes the body to inhibit pain signal transmission for a limited time.
2. Acupuncture and the Nervous System
Acupuncture needles are thought to have an indirect effect on the nervous system. Acupuncture trigger points or meridians aid in pain management by stimulating the nervous system and activating its response. This treatment may cause your brain to temporarily compensate for or focus on specific trigger points each time a needle is inserted, rather than on the site of active pain.
3. Acupuncture and Chemical Release
Acupuncture may stimulate the body’s pain-relieving chemical release centres. These chemicals are normally only released during active or severe trauma, not during chronic pain. Because of the depth to which needles penetrate the body, the body is more likely to respond by releasing natural pain relievers.
These analgesics, unlike opioid painkillers like morphine, are compatible with your body, allowing you to control their release through regular acupuncture sessions. While it is extremely effective for pain management, it may not be as effective for long-term pain relief.
Reminders on Acupuncture
Despite its numerous advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering acupuncture:
1. Session repetition for best results.
Acupuncture sessions on a regular basis are the most effective way to reap the benefits. Because the body has the ability to heal itself, the needle changes must be reapplied in order to be effective.
2. Hire only trained acupuncturists.
Verify an acupuncturist’s credentials before agreeing to a session. The primary reason for doing so is to avoid being harmed by inexperienced acupuncturists. Complications include nerve damage, excessive bleeding, internal organ puncture, and general pain and discomfort. A trained acupuncturist will know where needles can be safely inserted and can advise you on aftercare.
3. No insurance coverage.
Acupuncture is not considered a medical expense by many insurance companies. As a result, if you get into an accident while getting acupuncture, your insurance company is unlikely to cover it even if the effects are comparable to medical injuries.
Conclusion
While acupuncture is not a primary treatment option, there is enough evidence to suggest that patients consider acupuncture as an alternative method of pain management. While still understudied, the findings of studies on chronic pain patients are promising. Thus, in the meantime, it should only be used to treat low-risk chronic conditions like lower back pain, rather than as a cure.
Are you in need of back pain treatment services in Linlithgow? Ruth McWilliam provides in-home care as the only acupuncturist in the Forth Valley and a member of Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Give her a call today!