Back pain is actually quite common. It is estimated that 80% of the population will deal with back pain at some point in their lives. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that it is the most common cause of job related disability, and a leading contributor to missed work days.
While most cases of back pain are structural, some can be related to more serious conditions. It is always appropriate to seek a medical diagnosis so that your best therapeutic options can be determined.
Dealing with back pain can be a life changing experience. Fortunately, most episodes are acute and resolve in a short time. Chronic conditions, however, can negatively impact your quality of life, restricting social interactions, impacting work, and your ability to engage in activities you enjoy.
Acupuncture for Back Pain
Acupuncture has been shown to be a very effective and viable treatment for back pain. A 2007 German study compared the outcomes of 1162 chronic low back patients treated with acupuncture; sham acupuncture; or conventional western medical treatment that included medication, physical therapy, and exercise. This was the largest study investigating acupuncture vs. nonsurgical low back treatment ever conducted.
The results were quite impressive. Patients that received the acupuncture treatments experienced reduced pain intensity, and reported improvements in the disability that resulted from the back pain and their quality of life.
Six months following the treatment, the acupuncture patients were twice as likely to report treatment-related responses as the group who did not receive acupuncture.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health developed a robust guide on acupuncture and evidence for its effectiveness. Dating back to 2007, they cite recommendations from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society, who both recommended acupuncture as an effective treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain who have not had success with a self-remedy regimen.
Next Steps
For anyone exploring treatment options for back pain, acupuncture might be the best solution. It is safe and gentle. With a relatively short trial of treatments one can determine if the treatment is going to be a viable option.
If you’re interested in learning more about acupuncture, check out our blog. You’ll find articles talking about a variety of conditions that acupuncture can treat effectively and also general information on acupuncture therapy.
When you’re ready to discuss treatment options, schedule a consultation with our office. This is completely free of charge. Our clinical focus is centered on getting to know you, learning about your condition, and developing a plan to help you get well.