Back pain is perhaps the most common health problem worldwide. Around 84% of people are expected to experience back pain at some point, and half of the population may experience it by the age of 20. Traditional treatments alone often do not work, with recurrence rates of anywhere up to 80%. This is why many Chicago residents search for acupuncture for back pain, with Life Balance Clinic a popular choice.
Symptoms of chronic back pain
For back pain to be considered “chronic,” it must have lasted for at least three months. It may be dull, sharp, shooting, or have a hot sensation. You may experience it constantly, or only in certain positions or when doing certain movements. For example, a disc hernia causes pain when raising your leg from a lying position.
Chronic back pain can come with other symptoms such as restricted movement or numbness and tingling in certain areas of your body. If you have a fever or paralysis, you may need more urgent medical attention.
Common causes of back pain
Back pain can have many causes. The most common include:
- An injury to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments
- A fracture, even if it is very slight
- Arthritis, typically osteoarthritis
- Muscle weakness reducing support for your spine
- Repetitive strain injuries, including poor posture
- Strain from excess weight
- A slipped disc
- Facet joint problems
How acupuncture works for relieving back pain
Acupuncture therapy offers a holistic solution for back pain by treating the underlying cause. In musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, this is commonly described as Bi Syndrome in Chinese medicine. Bi Syndrome is a category of vital energy (Qi) blockages that cause pain and stiffness because of the obstructions. You may have Blood stagnation, Liver Qi stagnation, or Kidney deficiency, too.
On the tissue level, acupuncture may boost circulation, soothe inflammation, increase tissue growth factors, and reduce pain signaling. One paper showed that acupuncture may relieve pain partly by increasing adrenaline. This may reduce destructive inflammatory chemicals, protecting the muscle and connective tissue in your back.
Effectiveness of acupuncture for low back pain
Acupuncture may effectively treat low back pain from a range of causes.
In 2020, a review found that acupuncture can significantly relieve back pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. This included seven reviews with thousands of patients in total, and all of them found that acupuncture worked for lower back pain.
As for specific conditions, a trial testing acupuncture on pain from spinal stenosis (narrowing) demonstrated great benefits. The average disability scores dropped from 12.6 to 8.1, with a 43% greater improvement compared to the placebo. A review on lower back fasciitis also found much larger benefits in reducing pain and disability with acupuncture compared to traditional treatment. The fascia are connective tissue structures that wrap around your muscles, making pain in them potentially harder to spot.
Side effects of acupuncture for back pain
Acupuncture treatment for back pain has very few side effects, if any. You may experience slight, localized pain when the needles are inserted. If there is any bleeding, it is no more than a drop of blood or a tiny bruise.
Complementary therapies for treating back pain
Traditional Chinese therapies that can help to relieve back pain include acupuncture and bodywork. Both stimulate points on the meridian channels are responsible for energy flow throughout the body.
Here at Life Balance Clinic in Glenview, IL, Dr. Dekhtyar, DACM and his team uses in-depth examination to find the true causes and correct treatment of back pain, measuring even the energy flow through your meridians. With conventional and laser acupuncture; Chinese bodywork; electrostimulation, cupping and more, including an optional heat lamp during treatment, we can provide the best plan for you. Dr. Dekhtyar also has over 30 years of experience, with extensive continuing education in Chinese medicine for pain.
If acupuncture therapy for back pain sounds like it may be the right solution to fit your needs, contact us at 847-724-1777.
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What our patients say
"Dr. Vadim is an exceptional Doctor and has helped me tremendously with my vestibule migraines, eye convergence issues and overall stress. I started going to him for cupping which relieves my stress I carry in my neck and back. Once starting acupun..."
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""I had a very nice experience with Dr Dekhtyar. He’s successfully been treating my lower back pain. I like the fact that he uses acupuncture along with other techniques like electrical impulses, cupping and/or deep tissue massage. He also pursues ..."
""I have been having back pain for about four years. I have done medication, physical therapy, and have seen a chiropractor, but nothing seemed to relieve my pain until I came here and had acupuncture. My pain being relieved everyday with every vis..."
