Is Acupuncture Good For Back Pain?

Back pain. What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you read the word? It's more about discomfort and sometimes too much frustration. Today, millions of people are suffering from back pain so badly that it affects their day-to-day activities and overall well-being. If you are among those sufferers of back pain, you might have tried a lot of things including medications, physical therapy, and maybe even chiropractic care. But, have you heard of acupuncture? Yes, it's also a very popular method to treat back pain. Now, many questions might arise such as does acupuncture help back pain or is similar to other temporary solutions. Let's try to find clear answers to all your questions regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for back pain.

What Does Science Say?

A lot of research has been done on acupuncture for back pain relief that provides mixed answers. We will provide you with both sides of the coin here.

Some studies have shown that acupuncture offers promising results. Some of them are as follows:

Pain Relief

Yes, many studies say that acupuncture is perfect if you want to manage chronic back pain. Some research even says that it's more effective than certain medications.

Improved Function

In addition to pain relief, acupuncture also improves your ability to perform daily activities smoothly which Back pain was hindering for so long.

However, there are certain theories of science about using acupuncture for back pain which are as mentioned below:

Stimulating the Nervous System

The needles used in acupuncture might lead to the release of many pain-relieving chemicals from the spinal cord, muscles, and brain.

Opioid Release

The body has natural opioids that feature pain-fighting properties. Science says that acupuncture can release these opioids as well.

The Placebo Effect

Do you know what a placebo effect is? It's simply the belief of the patient (suffering from back pain) that the treatment of acupuncture will treat him/ her. Many experts say that the positive outcomes seen in many cases are due to the placebo effect itself. And, it doesn't diminish the potential benefits of the treatment. It is an indicator that science needs to research more on the efficiency of acupuncture to treat back pain.

Considering Acupuncture for Back Pain Relief?

After knowing the scientific terms of acupuncture, if you want to go for it to treat your back pain, you need to keep some things in mind. Some of the important ones are as follows:

Talk to Your Doctor

Don't just step into the final decision directly. Have a proper discussion with your doctor to make sure that the acupuncture will be suitable for your specific condition. As the expert knows it better, he/ she will guide you better.

Find a Qualified Acupuncturist

After the doctor suggests going for the treatment, get a licensed and qualified acupuncturist with proper training and experience. You can also take recommendations from your doctor on the same. Who knows if he/ she might suggest you the best acupuncture expert!!

If you are a resident of The Villages in Florida, you can consult Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic for acupuncture in The Villages.

Set Realistic Expectations

Be open about the fact that acupuncture may not be a cure-all. And, it may not treat your back pain completely. But it can offer pain relief and improved function. You need to be patient and consistent with your treatment plan and trust the acupuncturist.

Communication is Key

If you don't mention to your back pain relieving expert about your goals and expectations, there are chances that you might set them higher than the reality. Hence, we suggest communicating with the acupuncturist about every intricate detail you want to know. Also, if you experience any pain or discomfort during or post-treatment, do not shy away from letting your doctor and acupuncturist know. They will obviously suggest something better.

Acupuncture vs. Traditional Treatments

Yes, acupuncture is here to provide you with the best results by treating your back pain. But what about the traditional treatments you used earlier? Let's try to understand the differences between the two via a brief analysis below:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the most common technique for which people suffering from back pain go. These therapies involve exercise programs that focus on:

• improving flexibility
• strengthening the core muscles
• reducing back pain

Medication

Many people go for pain relievers or prescription medications to cure back pain. But keep in mind that they come with many side effects too. Hence, do not take any medicines without an expert's recommendation or guidance.

Conclusion

In brief, acupuncture can come out as a useful treatment for back pain. Although there is a need for more research from science, it has shown potential benefits. If you are suffering from intense back pain or know someone who is. And, if you want to go for an acupuncture treatment, Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic is available for you. Here, you will experience the best acupuncture in The Villages, Florida.