Unfortunately, the reality is most people will struggle with lower back pain at some point in their life. Studies show that up to 80% of the global population will experience back pain in their lives.  In most cases, the lower back is the most troublesome location.

A wide range of issues can cause lower back pain. These issues include: poor posture, improper exercise form, sedentary lifestyles, and general wear and tear. Popular preventative measures involve core strengthening exercises, limiting the time spent sitting, and flexibility work. However, most already suffering from back pain need options to help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Massage therapy, heating pads, and OTC pain medication come to mind. But, for many suffering from lower back pain, one often-overlooked option that could stop the pain is: Acupuncture.

How Does Acupuncture for Back Pain Work?

Acupuncture is a technique rooted in ancient Chinese medicine. It involves inserting hair-thin needles into the skin at strategic places. As a result of the needle placements, patients experience relief of lower back pain in a number of ways:

• Triggers electromagnetic impulses. The electromagnetic currents released during acupuncture help the body control chronic and continuous back pain.
• Stimulates the nervous system. By stimulating specific trigger points around the body, acupuncture helps release naturally-occurring, pain-relieving chemicals around the spinal cord.
• Releases Neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters, hormones tasked with regulating triggers in nerve endings, release and help eliminate sensations of pain and discomfort caused by back pain.

Will it Work For Me?

A comprehensive study conducted at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center compared the use of acupuncture in patients suffering from lower back pain with patients receiving “sham” acupuncture (acupuncture that is not rooted in any strategy) and no acupuncture at all. The study’s data showed that there is a measurable benefit to acupuncture treatment.

Out of almost 18,000 patients in 29 randomized controlled trials, patients receiving proper acupuncture treatment reported 50% improvement in chronic ailments, including back pain. These results show that acupuncture can produce effective results in fighting chronic lower back pain for many patients.

Exploring and finding a treatment option that can alleviate chronic back pain can be a long and frustrating process, so it would be in your best interest to try a wide range of techniques. As a result, acupuncture could very well be the “needle” in the haystack of therapy that could unlock life free of lower back pain!

Out of almost 18,000 patients in 29 randomized controlled trials, patients receiving proper acupuncture treatment reported 50% improvement in chronic ailments, including back pain.