Back pain is one of the most common conditions that we see in the clinic.  In fact, statistics show that 8 out of 10 people will deal some form of back pain in their lifetime.  Fortunately, research has shown that acupuncture is a natural remedy that can have a great impact on managing and relieving hard-to-treat back pain when other forms of treatment have failed.*  We are experienced in successfully treating back pain and have been named by Lahey Clinic’s Spine Center as one of its preferred providers.*

Acupuncture for All Forms of Back Pain

Back pain comes in many shapes and forms, and its presentation will vary depending on its cause.  In general, people who come to the clinic tend to have either acute or chronic back pain.  Acute pain will generally be of shorter duration – lasting less than 3 months – whereas chronic back pain lasts more than 3 months.  Pain can be concentrated in one area or radiate to others.  For instance, a common term used to describe a type of back pain is “sciatica”.  Sciatica is a general term used to describe pain radiating down the leg.

Whether acupuncture will be effective or not will largely be determined by what is causing the pain.*  With regards to radiating pain, like sciatica, the cause can vary significantly from trigger points within the muscles, to degenerative disks, to herniated disks or spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal or the intervertebral spaces).

To determine whether we can help, a full work up is done and any x-ray or MRI reports are used to assess which tissues are involved.   Determining which tissue planes are involved is the key to providing appropriate expectations and successful treatment plans.*  Like the skilled surgeon, the skilled acupuncturist must understand the topography of the body’s tissue planes and be able to synthesize complex presentations in order to treat complicated conditions.*

How Does Acupuncture Work to Relieve Back Pain?

Acupuncture works by restoring proper blood circulation.*  The ancient Chinese looked at the circulatory system and equated it to the life-giving rivers found criss-crossing through nations.  The circulatory system consists of “rivers” of blood, delivering oxygen, nutrition, hormones, anti-inflammatories, analgesics (natural pain killers) and much more.  When we are able to restore proper circulation, the body this is able to heal more quickly and accelerates reduction in inflammation and pain responses.*

Our treatments do not just involve needles, either.  Other, non-insertive options include cupping and gua sha.

Lahey Clinic Spine Center Preferred Provider

As a preferred provider for the Lahey Clinic Spine Center, I have successfully treated a number of complicated back pain cases.*  If you have been suffering from back pain and are looking to get your life back, I offer a no risk, no obligation, free evaluation to determine whether acupuncture can help.  

*Disclaimer:  Specific results are not guaranteed.  Results may vary from person to person.