Acupuncture is an alternative approach and complementary practice that entails the professional insertion of hair-thin needles into specific points of the body. The purpose is to stimulate the body’s healing energy, alleviate pain, and treat a bevy of health conditions.
It has been a central feature of traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years, and it is arguably the most popular form of alternative medical treatment outside the conventional Western medical system. The beneficial effects of acupuncture are often reported to last longer than other types of nonsurgical methods of treatment, and many people who have back pain have experienced excellent results from undergoing acupuncture.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Back Pain
Acupuncture has stood the test of time due in part to its effectiveness at alleviating pain, particularly in the muscles and joints throughout the body. Practitioners of the acupuncture method cite the following points as the major benefits of acupuncture specifically as it relates to alleviating back pain:
- Stimulation of the Central Nervous System – Inserting the special acupuncture needles into trigger points is believed to release chemicals found in the spinal cord, muscles, and brain. These chemicals are identified to relieve pain.
- Pain-Relief Chemicals Are Produced in the Body – Similarly, acupuncture fosters the body’s natural ability to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Activation or Release of Neurotransmitters – Neurotransmitters send signals to the brain to shut down the pain response caused by problems with the back. Acupuncture activates or releases several types of neurotransmitters.
- Electromagnetic Impulses Flow Through the Body – In acupuncture theory, it is believed that electromagnetic impulses speed up the natural processes of healing and recovery, thereby eliminating back pain.
Can Acupuncture Help Me?
If you are experiencing chronic back pain and you have tried various nonsurgical treatment methods without much effect, talk to your doctor about whether acupuncture may be a good option for you. However, keep in mind that the efficacy of any treatment method still relies on the expertise and experience of your provider. In this case, ask your doctor for a recommendation of a reputable, licensed acupuncturist.
The number and frequency of your acupuncture sessions will depend on your specific condition, which you will discuss with the practitioner during your initial visit. Typically, for those experiencing chronic pain, your provider may recommend weekly treatments for several months. Acute back pain, on the other hand, may need fewer sessions in order to achieve results.
Back Pain Relief in Colorado Springs
Acupuncture is safe and has proven to be effective in relieving back pain when performed by licensed and experienced acupuncturists who use sterile materials. If you would like to explore other methods of dealing with your back pain, talk to us about your options.
Here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our board-certified surgeons have many years of experience helping our patients who suffer from back pain, whether it is chronic or acute. We understand how to serve our patients with treatment options that are geared specifically to their conditions.
To schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling us at (303) 790-1800 or request an appointment through our online request form. We look forward to seeing you and helping you find relief from your back pain once and for all.
