By Matthew Enright AP – Parkland Florida – Acupuncture and Back Pain – Back pain is a problem faced by many people around the world. On average, a total of 4 out of 5 people have a high chance of suffering from low back pain at least once in a lifetime. Individuals with this problem should seek medical advice as soon as possible since it is a serious health condition. According to research, Chinese medicine together with acupuncture is one of the best ways of dealing with this problem.
Many people do not know that acupuncture can relieve back pain safely and effectively. Acupuncture is a technique native to China, discovered about 2500 years ago, and has been used over the years as a means of relieving knee, shoulder and low back pain, among others. Back pain is one of the most common conditions we treat and with a great success rate!
Low back pain comes with early signs and symptoms that will help you understand and hence treat it as soon as possible. For example, if you are experiencing back pains, you will:
- Feel (either sharp or mild) pain on the lower, upper, or mid back
- Have problems walking, standing or sitting
- Feel pain on the groin, inner or outer thighs, and on the buttocks
- Experience muscle spasms on the groin, legs and on the back
- Feel sore and tender whenever you try to touch your back
Our acupuncturists in Parkland Florida are always ready to help you out if you start noticing these symptoms. Dr. Matthew Enright and Dr. Andrew Agoado have treated back pain in the past with considerable success.
According to scientists, acupuncture is effective in treating back pain. It is responsible for the stimulation of endorphins, which are known to relieve pain. Endorphins alter the ability of the body to experience pain, and promote wellness instead. Acupuncture operates based on an ancient belief that there are energy flow patterns in the body. The energy, also known as “qi”, flows in channels called meridians.
Apart from stimulating endorphins, the technique is also responsible for the release of natural opioids. These are chemicals responsible for inducing sleep and relieving pain. Opioids are released by the brain and are responsible for the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, preventing pain receptors from receiving pain signals.
Acupuncture helps in improving blood circulation, and has ant-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects on the body. Its effectiveness over a long period of time as well as lack of negative side effects makes it more preferred to other methods of treating low back pain.
Acupuncture treatment sessions
Before being treated, one has to provide adequate information about their medical history and general health. The professional inquires about your low back pain, and whether you have had it treated before. After that, you are required to undergo a physical exam in order to identify the exact cause of the back pain. Patients are given an opportunity to give as much information as possible about their condition, which would be useful during treatment.
A thorough evaluation or exam is the next step, after which the patient is ready to begin their treatment. The first step involves the insertion of small and sterile needles in specific places on the body, called acupuncture points. The needles are very thin and short. They remain in the body for approximately 20 minutes before being removed. Results should be evident after a succession of treatments, depending on the individual patient and condition. Typically most patients have their back pain completely resolved within 6 to 10 treatments, with the use of nutritional supplements and Chinese herbs recommended for faster healing. Of course this depends on your specific condition and the overall health of the patient.
Acupuncture Works
If you have tried other methods and have been disappointed time and again, then it’s time to try out acupuncture. Our Parkland acupuncture location offers free consultations daily. We will show you how the technique works as well as how we utilize it to restore your health. Give us a call today and let us help you get out of pain!