It has been estimated approximately 80 percent of people will experience lower back pain at some time in their life. It is also the main reason people desire treatment using acupuncture. Research has shown that back pain is a condition able to be effectively treated using acupuncture. In many situations, it can provide more relief from pain than other types of treatment.
Back Pain
A person’s lower back is susceptible to strain, This is due to how it performs the weight-bearing function for the body. Its connection to movement is also part of its susceptibility. This involves bending and twisting. The strain of muscles results when the fibers of the muscle are torn or overstretched. At the site of the injury, inflammation will often occur. It will usually happen with painful movement. A person can also experience muscle spasms or cramping. This could result in a decrease in the range of motion and function with a person’s back.
History
The history of acupuncture started in China over 2,500 years ago. It involves carefully placing needles at specific areas of a person’s body. Traditional Chinese medicine believes the human body has over 2,000acupuncture points. Each of these points is believed to be connected by meridians or pathways. This involves a flow of energy called Qi, pronounced “chee.” When these specific points on a person’s body are stimulated, it is believed this will fix any type of Qi imbalance. This leads to an improved flow of energy. Acupuncturists believe it is the reason this procedure can improve health and relieve pain.
How Acupuncture Works
The effectiveness of acupuncture is believed to be the result of stimulating a person’s central nervous system. Doing this has been shown to result in the release of chemicals into an individual’s brain, muscles as well as spinal cord. These chemicals are estimated to produce changes in the body causing a sense of well-being as well as alter their experience of pain. There are also other theories
- It can alternate the release of neurons and neurotransmitters. This will change a person’s brain chemistry.
- Acupuncture could increase the speed of relaying electromagnetic signals. This results in pain-killing similar to endorphins flowing throughout the body.
- Acupuncture may also cause the body to release immune system cells.
- It may result in significant release of natural opioids. These are chemicals in a person’s brain that promote sleep and decrease pain.
Targeting Energy
When it comes to treating back pain, a professional acupuncturist will target specific points on a person’s body. These are areas with special benefits to the painful muscles and nerves in a person’s back.
- Stomach points
- Back of knees points
- Hand Points
- Foot points
- Hand Points
- Lower Back Points
Getting Acupuncture
People often are recommended to have acupuncture treatments from their primary physician. Others attempt to get this type of treatment on their own. Some health insurance plans will cover acupuncture treatment and many do not. It is important when choosing an acupuncturist to make certain they are a professional. An acupuncturist should be properly licensed by the state where they work. This will ensure they have the proper training, certification and can safely administer acupuncture treatments. There is a board of health in each state that registers and monitors those who practice acupuncture.
Acupuncture Training
An accredited school will provide a specific curriculum consisting of certain training for those who want to be a licensed acupuncturist.
- Minimum of 47 credits in Oriental diagnosis, theory, as well as treatment techniques.
- Six Semester credits in practice management, counseling, ethics, and communication.
- 27 Semester credits of hands-on clinical training.
- 30 Semester credits concerning biomedical clinical sciences.
Long-Term Treatment
In many cases involving back pain, there may be no cure. Acupuncture is extremely successful at relieving the pain. There is a chance of continuing the pain relief. It could require many treatments. This can provide the best results. It is possible the pain may still return. Another series of acupuncture treatments can address the return of any back pain.
Back Pain Relief
Acupuncture has been proven to be a successful treatment for individuals who suffer from chronic back pain. It can be used to help decrease or eliminate the pain in the upper or lower part of a person’s back. Some physicians believe it may be better for someone than using any type of back pain medication. Research has shown its effectiveness when provided by a properly trained and licensed acupuncture practitioner.
If you are suffering from back pain, there is no reason to deal with it any longer. If you are located in the Birmingham, Alabama area we can help. We have successfully done structural correction as well as whiplash, scoliosis and chronic back pain treatment. Contact us today at 205-637-1363 and make an appointment. There is no reason to live with pain.
