Accupuncture for Back Pain

Back pain is a potentially disabling condition caused by strained muscles and ligaments. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, back pain is one of the top reasons people seek medical treatment. Acupuncture is a treatment method that relieves back pain naturally by releasing endorphins, your body's natural pain killers.

History

• Acupuncture is one of the world's oldest healing methods. In the United States, it is considered an alternative treatment option.

Types

• Verum acupuncture, also known as the traditional Chinese method, involves inserting needles at fixed points on the lower back at a depth of five to 40 millimeters. In sham acupuncture, needles are also inserted into the lower back, but all verum points are avoided.

Procedure

• An acupuncturist will insert thin needles into your skin for about 15 to 30 minutes. The procedure is painless and provides short- and long-term relief for back pain.

Research

• A research panel backed by the National Institutes of Health found that acupuncture effectively relieves chronic back pain. A 2007 German study concluded that acupuncture is more effective in treating back pain than traditional therapies such as exercise and medication.

Other Treatment Options

• Medication, massage therapy, chiropractic care, back exercises and physical therapy are other treatment options for back pain.