The most common type of chronic pain is low back pain caused by muscle, ligament, nerve, and spine injuries. Many therapists believe that one of the best forms of treatment for low back pain is acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, and it is believed to date back to at least 100 B.C. This treatment uses hair-thin needles inserted into specific points in the body in order to balance the patient’s internal “energy,” also called Chi or Qi in acupuncture.
As reported by the Mayo Clinic, many studies which have analyzed patients’ results after sham acupuncture and true acupuncture have shown to yield the same effects, as patients experienced reduced back pain either way. These studies also found that having acupuncture lessens back pain better than receiving no treatment.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which patients have reported beneficial results from having acupuncture to relieve their lower back pain.
Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system, thus resulting in pain relief. When the needles are inserted into the specific points, your body may release chemicals that contribute to relieving the pain.
Stress can contribute to low back pain. When you’re stressed, there is strain and tension in your back, and your breathing patterns change. Patients who undergo acupuncture for stress and pain frequently report feeling relaxation, calmness, and improved mood after the treatment.
Because lower back pain is caused by repetitive stress injuries to the back, and because acupuncture does not use medication, this treatment helps to lessen the need for expensive surgery and medicines.
