How Acupuncture Helps with Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects 80% of Americans with 28% reporting chronic lower back pain. It is one of the main reasons people miss work, social gatherings and stop living an active lifestyle, leading to a reduced quality of life. The root cause of lower back pain could be poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, or even degenerative diseases. Western medicine offers various solutions including OTC or prescription pain medications, physical therapy, and in tough cases surgery.

At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture, lower back pain is a condition that we treat every week. With our treatments we are able to address the root cause, providing long lasting effective relief. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is a natural alternative has been used for thousands of years with little to no side effects. We combine this ancient medicine with our bio-electric therapies to boost our results. In this post we explore how we can help.

Benefits of Acupuncture at Bodhi TCM for Lower Back Pain

• Pain Relief: Our acupuncture treatments stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, providing immediate and lasting relief from lower back pain.

• Reduced Inflammation: By improving blood flow and reducing stress, acupuncture can help decrease inflammation in the affected area. Our bio-electric therapies reduce the inflammatory cytokines boosting the results of each treatment.

• Improved Mobility: Regular acupuncture sessions can enhance flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to perform daily activities.

• Holistic Approach: Our protocols address the root cause of pain rather than just the symptoms, promoting overall well-being and preventing recurrence.

Western Medicine Treatments for Lower Back Pain

Western medicine offers various chronic lower back pain treatment options, each with its own benefits and limitations.

Common Western Treatments

• Pain Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often used for immediate relief. In more severe cases, prescription medications such as opioids or muscle relaxants may be prescribed. If taken over a prolonged period of time, these medicines can affect other organs.
  

• Surgery: In cases of severe structural issues, surgical interventions like spinal fusion or discectomy might be necessary.Surgical options come with risks such as infection, nerve damage, and long recovery periods.

• Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the affected nerves. Side effects could include cartilage damage, death of nearby bone, joint infection, nerve damage, and others.
  

Comparing Acupuncture and Western Medicine for Lower Back Pain

Efficacy

• Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain: Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can be as effective as, or even more effective than, conventional treatments for chronic lower back pain. It provides a non-invasive option that can complement other therapies.

• Western Medicine: While effective, many Western treatments, particularly medications, offer temporary relief and can have side effects. Surgery, though potentially curative, carries risks and requires significant recovery time.

Side Effects

• Acupuncture: Generally considered safe when performed by a board certified practitioner. Common side effects are minimal, such as slight bruising or soreness at needle sites.

• Western Medicine: Pain medications can cause side effects like gastrointestinal issues, dependence, and dizziness. Surgical options come with risks such as infection, nerve damage, and long recovery periods.

Holistic vs. Symptomatic Treatment

• Acupuncture: Focuses on holistic healing by addressing the root cause and promoting overall wellness.

• Western Medicine: Primarily targets symptoms, offering immediate but often temporary relief.

Conclusion

Both acupuncture and Western medicine have their place in the treatment of lower back pain. Acupuncture offers a holistic, minimally invasive option that can complement conventional treatments. When performed by an expert practitioner like Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, LAc. it is extremely safe and effective. The causes of lower back pain are diverse so it is important to understand how to tailor each treatment protocol for every patient to address the root cause.

During our consult we diagnose the root cause of the lower back pain and based on that provide comprehensive treatments that integrate not only acupuncture, but other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques as well as modern bio-electric therapies so that you can achieve effective, long lasting relief. Our goal is to provide:

• Comprehensive Pain Relief: We offer a multi-faceted approach to pain relief by addressing the root cause of the lower back pain, rather than just masking the symptoms.

• Long-Term Benefits: Sustained pain relief and improved back function, reducing the need for ongoing medication or future surgeries.

• Improved Quality of Life: Patients often report enhanced mobility, reduced pain, and a better overall sense of health and wellness with acupuncture.
  

If you are looking for natural and holistic back pain relief in Melbourne FL call us at 321-312-0771 to setup a consultation and find out how we can help!