Acupuncture for Back Pain

Acupuncture is an ancient, safe and effective technique of healing illnesses and preventing diseases. This is done by inserting tiny, thin needles into particular points of the body, to trigger the body's natural healing response. It can treat various bodily dysfunctions and disorders by regulating the physiological functions, and controlling pain. Traditional theories suggest that there are twelve energy levels, known as 'meridians', which run vertically along the human body. Each of these meridians link to a specific body organ. When certain points on these meridians hinder energy flow, pain or illness occurs. By inserting the needles at these specific points, acupuncture techniques stimulate energy flow, therefore, healing the illness or pain.

The practice is common in Japan and China, where it has the primary form of health care since thousands of years. It helps in treating the following conditions:

• Cervical and neck pain
• Back pain
• Hip pain
• Depression
• Headaches and migraines
• Sinus problems
• Jaw and facial pain
• Stress related disorders, and many more

Back pain is one of the most prevalent illnesses that force people to seek medical treatment. Few of its causes are; sprains caused by over stretching of ligaments, and strains caused by sudden force, which may happen due to an injury or lifting heavy weights. Doctors often recommend back strengthening exercises or medication to help overcome these problems.

One reason why people encourage acupuncture treatment is because it has no side effects. After a lot of tests and experiments, scientists have come to the conclusion that it is suited best for those who have had long and unsuccessful treatment with mainstream medicine. It basically involves inserting needles in specific points of the body. However, there is another technique, in which electricity is passed through the inserted needle, and burning Chinese herbs is yet another technique that is used. This burning of herbs is called 'moxibustion'. Sometimes the points (meridians) where the needles are inserted for the treatment may not be in the same periphery as the pain. So, if someone experiences pain in the back, the needles may be inserted in points on the feet or face. These points, that are away from the direct area of pain, are termed as 'distal points'. During acute pain, these distal points come in handy as they offer quick relief. Doctors have observed that patients with chronic back pain gain the most from the treatment, as acupuncture provides long-term relief.

One important thing to be kept in mind, is that acupuncture does not change the physical condition of the injury. It is not a solution for every kind of pain. If you visit an acupuncturist who says it can cure anything, he is probably not an expert.

Although it has not been medically proven that acupuncture is an effective method to cure back pain, many patients all over the world have gained relief from this procedure, especially those who have had it for a long period of time.