Acupuncture For Back Pain And Sciatica Nerve

Back pain is a widespread problem that will strike four out of five Australians at some time in their lives. It's one of the top reasons people seek medical care. Unfortunately, back pain isn't always easy to diagnose or relieve. Low back pain, in particular, can become a chronic or ongoing problem. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are proven natural therapy for lower back pain, sciatica nerve and hip pain. They can also be used with traditional medical treatments to maximize healing and recovery.

How Back Pain Happens

There are many possible causes of back pain, including strained muscles or ligaments, often caused by improper lifting, sudden movements or traumatic injury. Other culprits can include arthritis, structural abnormalities of the spine, or the disks between the vertebrae bulging or rupturing and pressing on a nerve. Depending on the specific diagnosis, back pain is generally treated with medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and in some cases, surgery.

"Acupuncture represents an up-and-coming and effective treatment option for chronic back pain. Patients experienced not only reduced pain intensity, but also reported improvements in the disability that often results from back pain, and therefore in their quality of life." – H. Endres, MD.

Back pain can arise from disharmonies such as

• Stagnation: pain is often linked to sudden, stabbing, severe pain related to sprains, strains or trauma. It can be accompanied by stiffness and tightness and becomes worse with rest. It may reflect an underlying deficiency if it often occurs in the same area(s).

• Cold, damp obstruction: pain is generally worse in the morning and exacerbated by cold or damp weather. This pain condition may be associated with numbness, swelling and a sense of "heaviness." Heat improves this condition.

• Deficiency: pain is usually a chronic condition that presents with "dull" pain and improves with rest.

Back pain treatment by acupuncture

Acupuncture For Back Pain Is A More Natural Approach

Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM view back pain in a different way. An acupuncturist will not only work to relieve the symptoms but will also work to find and treat the underlying cause of back pain. This is done by using acupuncture points along the body's meridian lines. By stimulating these points, an acupuncturist can unblock any obstructions and encourage the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood to the area. This helps to reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and ease the pain.

Doctor Weighing Chinese Herbal Medicine with Scale

Chinese Herbal Medicine For Back Pain

In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine can effectively treat back pain. Herbal formulas are specifically tailored to each individual and can help to reduce inflammation, ease muscle spasms, and improve circulation.

Combining acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is often the most effective approach to treating back pain. If you are suffering from back pain, please consult with our registered acupuncturist to see how we can help.

In a study conducted at a Swedish hospital, doctors concluded that acupuncture provided long-term relief along with improvements in physical activity levels, quality of sleep and the diminished use of pain medication. Acupuncture and TCM are based on the concept that Qi (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy, flows through the body in meridians' channels. If Qi becomes stagnant, unbalanced or deficient, symptoms such as back pain, ache and inflammation can result.

Acupuncture Adelaide treatment by our registered acupuncturist. Acupuncture needles on the back of a young woman.

Acupuncture Helps Restoring Balance And Prevent Pain Happens Again

Once your acupuncturist has determined the cause(s) of your back pain, we will create a specific treatment plan to address your concerns and boost your overall health and vitality. During acupuncture treatments, your acupuncturist will insert fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points along the meridian pathways to restore the balance and flow of Qi. They may also perform acupressure or other therapy based on your unique issues and symptoms. Your Acupuncturist may also suggest lifestyle changes and self-care techniques, especially if you struggle with chronic pain. These may include:

• Improving your posture – Examine your posture in a mirror. Try to stand with your head up, shoulders back and pelvis in a neutral position. Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor and your knees and hips level. Try to balance your weight evenly when walking and standing.

• Exercising – Keep your back and abdominal muscles strong with regular exercise. Yoga and Qi Gong are both gentle and effective. Consider adding aerobic exercise to improve your overall health and reduce stress.

• Managing stress – Stress can take a real toll on your health and contribute to muscle pain. Meditation or deep-breathing techniques can help you stay calm and relaxed. Massage is another excellent way to help relieve stress and loosen tense muscles. More and more people are finding relief for acute and chronic back pain through acupuncture and TCM. If you or someone you love is struggling with back pain, call today to find out how acupuncture can help.

How Can We Help With Your Back Pain and Sciatica

If you are looking for acupuncture for back pain, we can help. Our team of registered acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists will create a customised treatment plan to address your specific concerns and help you achieve long-term relief. For more information or to book an appointment, please call us today.