Lower Back Pain
A wide body of scientific and clinical evidence now exists confirming acupuncture’s benefit in the treatment of low back pain.
Gone is the misconception that limited acupuncture to its well known analgesic properties.
The literature suggests a broad range of neurological, vascular, endocrinological, humoral effects.
The World Health Organisation has endorsed its use for over 15 years.
Why is Acupuncture Effective?
Clinical trials suggest that acupuncture is most effective when used in conjunction with the body of diagnostic knowledge to Traditional Chinese Medicine. E.g. two patients arrive at the general practice, both complaining of low back pain.
Patient A: Presents with stiff painful back especially after being seated a while, or on rising. Feels better for movement and warmth.
Patient B: Back pain is worse for overwork. Tends to develop in the afternoon and evening. Rest seems to help.
In both patients x-rays and blood tests show no abnormality.
In terms of Chinese Medical model: These 2 cases are quite different. Integral is the concept of energy which ebbs and flows in a 24hour cycle. Pain after rest relates to poor circulation of energy, and maybe blood if sever. On the other hand, pain associated with increased tiredness and responding to rest is related to a deficiency or weakness of energy. Situation A is treated by clearing stagnation. Situation B is treated by tonifiying the weakness of energy.
This example clearly illustrates the difference between using acupuncture purely for pain relief and treating with the depth of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic knowledge.
Treatment can include needles, Laser, Tui Na, moxibustion (warming technique), Electro-acupuncture or auricular acupuncture.
What will Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture has applications in all categories in the treatment of low back pain.
- Muscular Strain
- Vertebral Joint Syndrome
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Intervertebral Disc Syndrome
Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory properties by stimulating the release of cortisol.
It can aid in acute muscle strain and degenerative disc disease.
Recent clinical evidence confirms acupuncture’s involvement with 21 neuro-transmitters including endorphins, serotonin, and histamine.