Painful Lower Back? Could Acupuncture be the Answer for You?

Exploring Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain Relief

1. Considering Acupuncture for Your Lower Back?

Are you at your wit’s end with lower back pain? Despite trying physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation, does your back still throb? Acupuncture might be the next step on your journey to relief. In this issue of Bodi Empowerment, we delve into how to determine if acupuncture is a suitable treatment for you.

2. The Many Faces of Acupuncture

Acupuncture isn’t one-size-fits-all. It comes in various forms, including auricular (ear) acupuncture, Korean hand needling, Medical Acupuncture, Dry Needling, ISM and laser acupuncture, to name a few. These techniques all stem from traditional Chinese acupuncture, a practice with thousands of years of history. At our downtown Toronto Chiropractic clinic, we prioritize sterile needle use, though we occasionally employ acupressure for those preferring a non-needle approach.

3. Only Sterile Needles Are Used For Your Lower Back Pain

Here in our downtown Toronto chiropractic clinic, we use sterile needles. While acupressure is used occasionally I find if you as a patient are agreeable it is more effective to use needles.

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Is Acupuncture the Right Choice for You?

To assess if needles could benefit your lower back pain, consider these questions:

• Where is the pain located in your lower back? Needles typically cause minimal discomfort, often described as a slight pinch or no pain at all.
• Are you open to needle treatment in your back, leg, and foot? We strategically place needles to optimize pain relief, sometimes avoiding the immediate area of acute pain to prevent aggravation.
• Understanding the Benefit: Needles in the leg and foot can enhance nerve stimulation, leading to pain relief in the lower back by increasing brain stimulation and reducing inflammation and muscle tension.

Acupuncture Benefits

1. Acupuncture Is A Natural Pain Killer:

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nerves which signals the brain that there is some stimulation. The brain releases endorphins which are the brain’s natural painkiller. These endorphins are more powerful than most drugs that we take but they are made naturally in the body.

2. Acupuncture Is an Anti-Inflammatory, And Increases Blood Flow

The endorphins break down into anti-inflammatories which decrease the inflammation in your body. Locally the needle causes a mico injury which causes stimulation of more blood flow to the area which is needed for healing the area.

3. Acupuncture Helps Muscles Decrease Tension By Relieving Trigger Points

When needles are put in hard muscle nodules called trigger points the muscle tension decreases quite dramatically in most cases very quickly. When just trying to decrease muscle tension I often leave the needle in for a minute or so.

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Overcoming Fear:

Many patients are initially apprehensive about needling but are willing to try it for the sake of relief. If fear holds you back, know that there are other non-needle techniques available to alleviate lower back pain.

Acupuncture Safety Checklist

• Sterile Needles: Always confirm that your practitioner uses sterile, individually sealed needles.
• Antibacterial Solutions: A minimum of 75% alcohol solution should be used for cleaning.
• Practitioner Credentials: Verify that your health practitioner is licensed and properly trained, especially in needle sterilization practices.

The Effectiveness of Acupuncture

Research shows moderate evidence supporting acupuncture for short-term pain relief and improved function compared to no treatment. However, it’s important to note that both acupuncture and sham acupuncture (placebo) can improve clinical outcomes in various conditions. This suggests that acupuncture can be an effective method for managing pain, including lower back pain.

1, Acupuncture Is Effective For Pain Relief.

This is consistent with my findings in the clinic. As I check each patient before and after acupuncture out of habit I find that the tests I use make a change for the better the vast majority of the time using acupuncture.

2. Why is it helpful to put needles in the leg and foot if the pain is in the lower back?

Acupuncture works by stimulating nerves. The nerves from the lower back go into the leg and eventually the foot. There are far more nerve endings in the foot than in the lower back. By stimulating the acupuncture points in the foot there is more stimulation going up to the lower back.

All this stimulation of the nerves eventually reaches the brain and helps ease the pain in your lower back, decreases inflammation and decreases your muscle tension.

How long is the needle left in?

Acupuncture is left for in from 10-20 minutes while Dry Needling needle is taken out within a few seconds to 10 seconds.

Are you Still Afraid

I find most of you are in this situation. You’ve never had acupuncture but your lower back pain is severe enough or chronic enough that now you want to try. Most of you just need the reassurance that it’s safe.

Alternatives To Needling For Lower Back Pain

For those who are afraid, I try a different approach than acupuncture. Any good chiropractor knows many techniques to help with your lower back. There is acupressure, using a Pointer Plus, which is a device that gives stimulation to acupuncture points, laser, manipulation, mobilisation, McKenzie technique etc….

Final Thoughts:

If you’re grappling with persistent lower back pain and seeking alternative treatments, acupuncture could offer the relief you’ve been searching for. By understanding the process, ensuring the safety of the practice, and keeping an open mind, you might discover a powerful ally in your battle against pain.

Feel free to share your questions, thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook for more updates and tips on improving your shoulder health. We’d love to hear your opinions on who you consider the best Toronto chiropractor.