Acupuncture for Low Back Pain
Increase Mobility
Alleviate Stiffness
Decrease compression
Increase Stability
In the following sections, we explore the common causes of low back pain from a biomedical perspective, and detail how acupuncture can support you in your healing process.
**Click below to read more about your specific concerns:
Musculoskeletal Causes: Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Facet Joint Syndrome, Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction, Piriformis Syndrome
Spinal and disc-related conditions: Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Ankylosing Spondylitis
Nerve- related causes: Sciatica, Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve), Cauda Equina Syndrome (Emergency Condition)
Other contributing factors: Postural Imbalances, Osteoarthritis (Spinal Arthritis), Osteoporosis-Related Compression Fractures, Inflammatory Conditions (Autoimmune-Related Pain), Psychosocial Factors (Stress-Related Back Pain), Hormonal Imbalances
How acupuncture works to support healing
Musculoskeletal imbalances triggering Low Back Pain
1. Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
๐น Cause: Overuse, improper lifting, sudden twisting movements, or prolonged poor posture.
๐น Symptoms: Localized pain, muscle stiffness, and limited mobility.
๐น Recommendations: Rest, acupuncture, manual therapy, and core-strengthening exercises.
2. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
๐น Cause: Trigger points (knots) in the muscles causing chronic pain.
๐น Symptoms: Deep, aching pain that may radiate to other areas.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, cupping therapy, myofascial release, and stretching.
3. Facet Joint Syndrome
๐น Cause: Inflammation or arthritis in the small joints of the spine.
๐น Symptoms: Pain that worsens with twisting or backward bending.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, posture correction, and movement therapy.
4. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
๐น Cause: Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine to the pelvis.
๐น Symptoms: Sharp pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, manual therapy, and movement-based rehabilitation.
5. Piriformis Syndrome
๐น Cause: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle in the buttock.
๐น Symptoms: Radiating pain down the leg, similar to sciatica.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, soft tissue release, and targeted stretching.
Spinal & Disc-Related Conditions
6. Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)
๐น Cause: A spinal disc bulging or rupturing, pressing on nearby nerves.
๐น Symptoms: Sharp pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower back, hips, or legs.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, postural correction, and therapeutic exercise.
7. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
๐น Cause: Age-related wear and tear of spinal discs, reducing their cushioning effect.
๐น Symptoms: Persistent stiffness, discomfort, and increased pain with prolonged sitting or activity.
๐น Recommendations:Acupuncture, movement-based therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
8. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
๐น Cause: Narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord and nerves.
๐น Symptoms: Lower back pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, especially while walking.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, gentle mobility exercises, and postural training.
9. Spondylolisthesis
๐น Cause: A vertebra slipping forward over another, often due to stress fractures.
๐น Symptoms: Lower back pain, muscle tightness, and occasional nerve pain.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, core stabilization exercises, and movement therapy.
10. Ankylosing Spondylitis
๐น Cause: A form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine.
๐น Symptoms: Chronic stiffness, pain, and reduced spinal mobility.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, anti-inflammatory lifestyle strategies, and mobility work.
Nerve-Related Causes of Low Back Pain
11. Sciatica
๐น Cause: Compression of the sciatic nerve, often due to a herniated disc or muscle tightness.
๐น Symptoms: Sharp, burning pain radiating from the lower back down the leg.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, targeted stretching, and nerve mobilization techniques.
12. Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
๐น Cause: A compressed spinal nerve due to a herniated disc, arthritis, or bone spurs.
๐น Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower back and legs.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, postural adjustments, and gentle movement therapy.
13. Cauda Equina Syndrome (Emergency Condition)
โ ๏ธ A rare but serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
๐น Cause: Severe compression of the nerves at the base of the spine.
๐น Symptoms: Loss of bladder/bowel control, numbness in the lower body, and extreme weakness.
๐น Recommendations: Requires urgent surgeryโseek emergency care.
๐น Other Contributing Factors
14. Postural Imbalances
๐น Cause: Poor sitting posture, weak core muscles, or prolonged standing.
๐น Symptoms: Chronic discomfort, tension in the lower back, and fatigue.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, ergonomic adjustments, and posture correction exercises.
15. Osteoarthritis (Spinal Arthritis)
๐น Cause: Wear-and-tear degeneration of spinal joints.
๐น Symptoms: Stiffness, aching, and pain that worsens with activity.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, anti-inflammatory diet, and movement-based therapy.
16. Osteoporosis-Related Compression Fractures
๐น Cause: Loss of bone density leading to spinal fractures.
๐น Symptoms: Sudden, severe back pain with movement restrictions.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, bone-strengthening lifestyle strategies, and gentle movement therapy.
17. Inflammatory Conditions (Autoimmune-Related Pain)
๐น Cause: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia affecting spinal health.
๐น Symptoms: Chronic pain, fatigue, joint swelling, and systemic inflammation.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, lifestyle modifications, and holistic pain management strategies.
18. Psychosocial Factors (Stress-Related Back Pain)
๐น Cause: Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression affecting pain perception.
๐น Symptoms: Persistent back pain without a clear physical cause, often worsened by stress.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and mind-body approaches.
19. Hormonal Imbalances & Low Back Pain
๐น Cause: Hormonal fluctuations affecting inflammation, muscle tension, and joint stability. Conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, estrogen dominance, and menopause can contribute to chronic back pain.
๐น Symptoms: Persistent lower back discomfort, muscle tightness, fatigue, mood swings, and joint pain, often fluctuating with the menstrual cycle or hormonal shifts.
๐น Recommendations: Acupuncture has been shown to regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and support adrenal and thyroid function, helping to restore balance and alleviate pain. Integrative approaches may also include stress reduction, dietary modifications, and lifestyle adjustments to support hormonal health.
How Acupuncture Supports Healing in Low Back Pain
Low back pain can arise from a variety of underlying conditions, including muscle strain, nerve compression, joint dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammation. While acupuncture is widely recognized for its ability to alleviate pain and improve mobility, the extent of its effectiveness depends on your individual condition, lifestyle factors, and overall health.
At our practice, we take a personalized approach to acupuncture treatment. Through a comprehensive evaluation, we assess your pain patterns, movement mechanics, and contributing factors to determine the best course of action for long-term relief. Acupuncture works by addressing the root causes of pain and promoting the body's natural healing mechanisms, including:
1. Increasing Circulation for Tissue Repair & Pain Reduction
Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to the affected area, ensuring that oxygen and essential nutrients reach the tissues in need of repair. This process helps to:
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Relax tight muscles and reduce stiffness
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Promote faster healing of injured ligaments, muscles, and discs
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Flush out metabolic waste that contributes to inflammation and pain
Research in Microvascular Research has shown that acupuncture enhances vascular perfusion, which is essential for reducing swelling, alleviating chronic tension, and accelerating recovery in the lower back.
2. Reducing Inflammation for Long-Term Relief
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to ongoing back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Acupuncture has been found to regulate inflammatory pathways by:
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Decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-ฮฑ and IL-6)
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Modulating immune function to reduce swelling and discomfort
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Encouraging the release of natural anti-inflammatory compounds
A study published in The Journal of Pain indicates that acupuncture significantly lowers inflammatory markers, making it a valuable treatment for conditions such as arthritis, herniated discs, and sciatica-related inflammation.
3. Regulating Hormones for Pain & Stress Management
Hormonal imbalances play a crucial role in low back pain, muscle tension, and inflammation. Acupuncture helps to restore hormonal equilibrium by:
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Balancing cortisol levels to reduce stress-related muscle tension
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Enhancing thyroid function, which influences metabolism and musculoskeletal health
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Regulating estrogen and progesterone levels, especially in cases of back pain related to menstrual cycles or menopause
Studies in Fertility and Sterility highlight acupunctureโs role in modulating the endocrine system, which is essential for individuals experiencing hormone-related pain conditions, such as adrenal fatigue, estrogen dominance, or menopause-related stiffness.
A Holistic Approach to Low Back Pain Relief
Acupuncture is a powerful, non-invasive therapy that works in conjunction with movement therapy, postural correction, and lifestyle modifications to provide lasting relief from low back pain. By addressing circulation, inflammation, and hormonal balance, we create a treatment plan designed to support your bodyโs natural ability to heal and restore function.
How We Can Help
Our specialized treatments go beyond masking pain. We work with you to identify your individual treatment targets and start addressing the core issues to provide lasting relief.
Acupuncture Therapy
Improving blood and lymphatic circulation in the local area
Modulating inflammation to help speed up healing
Reducing muscle tension
Regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary axis to regulate cortisol, linked to low back pain (Kidney deficiency)
Stimulating the immune system to repair damage to the tissue
TCM Herbal Therapy
We offer herbal support to enhance internal health and promote healing if necessary.
Cupping Therapy
Improves blood flow and relaxes tension in the muscles
Stimulates neovascularization (new blood vessel formation)
Releases stagnated metabolic waste in the extracellular matrix which is eliminated through the circulatory and lymphatic system.
Moxibustion
Using the warming power of mugwort, moxibustion, an ancient infrared heat therapy.
Tui Na Massage
The Traditional Chinese Medicine version of manual therapy, focused on relieving muscular tension.
โYou deserve to live pain-free and fully engaged in the activities you love.โ
Schedule your consultation today with Acupremier Acupuncture. Together, weโll design a plan to ease your pain, restore your mobility, and enhance your quality of life.