Pain – Can Acupuncture Help Your Back Pain?

April 2nd, 2009 | by admin |

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been around for more than 2500 years and is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for back pain.

According to the theory of acupuncture, energy-called chi or qi-flows through the body along pathways called meridians. If the flow of chi is interrupted, pain or illness can occur. When that happens, very thin needles can be inserted along the meridians to correct the flow of chi.

Like all back pain treatments, acupuncture seems to be most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments. It is also very safe, with no known risks as long as you choose a reputable practitioner. Needles are sterile, disposable, and FDA-approved. In the U.S. they are used only one time, sealed before use, and disposed as hazardous waste after treatment.

During an acupuncture treatment session, the practitioner will insert anywhere from one to twenty needles into various places in the body. Some needles may go in just under the skin, while others may go deeper into muscle and fat.

Needles will be left in from fifteen to thirty minutes. The practitioner may turn needles one way or another after inserting them into the body, or leave some in for only a few seconds before removing them and inserting them elsewhere in the body.

You may be surprised to learn that acupuncture is rarely described as painful. In fact, many people find it relaxing and even fall asleep during treatment. Some people feel energized. One reason for this is the type of needles used. Acupuncture needles are very different from hypodermic needles. Instead they are very thin and fine, like hair. They are also solid, whereas hypodermic needles are not, as they are made to extract tissue.

So getting acupuncture needles inserted into your skin will feel nothing like getting a shot at the doctor’s office.

Since some medical doctors also practice acupuncture, you will want to make sure they are licensed in acupuncture in addition to their other training.

To check if a practitioner is licensed and accredited, contact the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Ray Attebery
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/pain-can-acupuncture-help-your-back-pain-135041.html

  1. 7 Responses to “Pain – Can Acupuncture Help Your Back Pain?”

  2. By Tracy B on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply

    How does acupuncture work on pain management for severe back/leg pain with sciatic pain? Any experience?
    I have been thinking I want to try acupuncture for pain in my back & legs. Also have nerve issues to deal with. Two surgeries in two years; want to look for alternatives as I do not want to have surgery again & I cannot deal with the pain on a constant battle. It interferes with my activity, exercise, job, sleep, etc.

  3. By tsopolly on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply

    I was sent for acupuncture for nerve damage, and it did not work for me, however, there were people in the waiting room of the doctor's office that swore it had improved their condition. It was not painful or even uncomfortable to have done. In fact, the needles are so fine, you can't even feel them. I say go for it. If it works, it will be an simple solution to your problem. If it doesn't work, you can always try something else.
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  4. By unaboriquasexy on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply

    the success of acupuncture is individual. i used it as therapy after a car accident and it alleviated the pain. its very thin needles inserted at various points in your body. these are then attached to a muscle stimulator which will stimulate your muscles and increase blood flow to reduce the swelling which causes the pain.
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  5. By zamgihegre on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply

    Try it! It worked for me!
    References :

  6. By hitchboy20002000 on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply

    Accupuncture works on the subtle energy system of the body and therefore will help on all levels. I recommend it for such conditions as it is very effective but as some of the other answeres have pointed out, it is based on the individual and results can vary a bit. Well worth a try and most certainly not painful.

    Craig – Naturopath.
    References :

  7. By Panacea on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply

    If I were to make a suggestion? Consider seeing a chiropractor for flexion distraction treatment (also known as Cox distraction technique).

    Although I have personally used acupuncture with electric stim to treat discogenic pain, it was a minor part of treatment for which flexion distraction was the main component. Results were very good for severe discogenic pain with sciatica in the patients I treated back in school.

    However, you need to understand that this type of back pain post-surgical failure is very difficult to treat. Prognosis BEFORE surgery is usually very good. Prognosis after a surgery that fails, especially if there are multiple surgeries….is poor.

    It's still your best bet and the most common and most commonly successful treatment for what you have. Seek out a CERTIFIED Cox practioner from the following website. Call up the chiropractor and explain your situation. Ask if he commonly treats patients like you (most do and some specialize in it).

    http://www.coxtechnic.com/referrals.asp
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  8. By ferrolbible on Apr 18, 2009 | Reply

    I am an alternative medicinal therapist this include acupressure and massage.
    It works by blocking the nerve/s that is/are linked to the problem area. It cures by releasing blocked energy thus insuring a free flow through the nerves. Your whole body is full of these channels and are linked to your internal organs as well. Alternative medicine does not focus on the problem area it treats the whole body, because the whole body is affected by one problem which cause other problems along the line.
    To a novice like yourself that is the easiest way of explaining it.
    E Mail alternative@medicine.wanadoo.co.uk

    Gloria
    References :

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