Acupuncture For Back Pain

Back pain has a variety of causes, from acute muscle injuries to serious auto accidents. Acupuncture has been shown to relieve pain and stiffness, making it easier to move around and tackle everything on your to-do list. At Acupuncture Balanced Health, we help people who have chronic back pain as well as short-term pain caused by injuries.

Muscle Spasms

When you feel a muscle spasm, your muscle is experiencing an involuntary muscle contraction. These spasms are common, and they can be quite painful. If you have back spasms, they can reduce your mobility and even prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. There are several potential causes for spasms in the back:

  • Overuse of the muscle
  • Dehydration
  • Performing unfamiliar exercises
  • Systemic illnesses
  • Sports injuries
  • Injuries caused by auto accidents

Muscle Tension

The muscles contract and relax all the time, but it’s not good for a muscle to stay contracted for a prolonged period of time. This is known as muscle tension. If you have muscle tension in your back, it can cause pain, stiffness, and tension headaches. Sitting or lying in the same position for too long is one cause of muscle tension. Too much stress can also cause muscle tension in your back and neck.

Arthritis

Arthritis causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints, which connect bones to each other. There is a joint in your back called the sacroiliac joint. This joint connects the spine with the pelvis. If the cartilage between the bones wears away, you might experience pain and stiffness in your back. This pain could prevent you from standing for long periods of time or performing activities that require bending or lifting.

Herniated Disks

Your disks cushion the vertebrae in your spine, protecting them from injuries. Disks also help your spine maintain its flexibility. If one of these disks breaks or bulges open, it might press against one of the nerves in your back, causing pain and weakness. The risk for this problem increases as you age. A pre-existing back injury also makes it more likely that you will experience a herniated disk.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spaces in the backbone, or spinal column, is known as spinal stenosis. This narrowing results in pressure on the nerves or spinal cord, causing weakness, numbness, or pain. Acupuncture, rest, and physical therapy are some of the nonsurgical treatments available for this condition.

Acupuncture and Back Pain

Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine say acupuncture is “clearly effective” in relieving pain in people who have chronic pain in their lower backs. They determined this by reviewing randomized, controlled clinical trials. Additionally, the researchers were able to determine that the acupuncture for back pain provided true relief; the placebo effect did not seem to be at play. Acupuncture relieves pain without all of the undesirable side effects of pain killers and surgical treatments.

Improved Health and Wellness

Our practitioners customize their treatment approaches to every patient’s needs. Your treatment plan will vary based on your symptoms and your overall health condition. If you need relief from back pain and stiffness, schedule a consultation at Acupuncture Balanced Health.