How Acupuncture Can Alleviate Back Pain
Most people use acupuncture to relieve aches and pains.
The way it works is small needles are inserted into specific points on your body to stimulate a nerve and alleviate the pain associated with that particular area. It relieves pain because the nerve sends signals to your brain to release endorphins (endorphins are the body’s natural pain killer.) Acupuncture for pain has become widely accepted among the medical community as being an effective treatment plan, particularly for back pain.
Who Suffers From Back Pain?
Anyone can have back problems due to its wide range of causes such as disease, infections, blood clots, and even pregnancy. Sometimes it is even as simple as lifting something the wrong way. Acupuncture can be a significant relief for someone who suffers from back pain caused by any of the above. Before we get into the details of acupuncture for back pain, it is essential to note that if you suffer a serious condition or suspect you do, you should seek the assistance of a physician.
You should not consider acupuncture as a cure but rather a solution to symptoms. There is also no guarantee that acupuncture will work for everyone, so you should speak to qualified acupuncturist to figure out if acupuncture is the right treatment for you.
Sciatica And Acupuncture
If you have ever experienced a dull ache radiating from your lower back and hips, down to your legs, you are experiencing what is called sciatica. This is one of the most common kinds of back pain. The affected area is called the sciatic nerve. If your sciatic nerve is causing you pain, it is usually due to compression of the sciatic nerve. Acupuncture for sciatica involves eliminating the pressure, which helps alleviate the symptoms partly or completely in some cases.
Acupuncture Points For Back Pain
For the acupuncture to work, acupuncturists need to strategically place the needles around the body for the desired effect. There are two areas of back pain worth discussing. Those areas are upper back pain and lower back pain. Each of these areas has different acupuncture points.
When targeting upper back pain, acupuncturists will focus on your neck, shoulders, and head. If the issue resides in your lower back, acupuncturists will pay more attention to your feet, hips, stomach area, hands, and the back of your knees. Since sciatica occurs in the lower back downwards, acupuncturists will focus on these areas to alleviate symptoms.
Back Care Awareness
Chronic back pain can be a debilitating and costly medical issue. We are talking millions. Thankfully, back care awareness week in the UK draws attention to this issue and provides sufferers with resources and information on how to manage their pain, including back acupuncture.
If you or someone you know is struggling with back issues, it might be beneficial to look into acupuncture as a solution. Just be careful and ensure it is done by a trained professional. Acupuncture should never be practiced in an uncontrolled environment.
