What challenges do we face with the treatment of lower back pain?

Common anti-inflammatory drugs are often not enough to control pain and many people cannot take them due to allergies or co-morbidities. It has therefore become particularly important to identify increasingly efficient treatments, aimed at reducing the pain as much as possible, so as to avoid the negative consequences that can arise from this condition when not treated effectively.

Does acupuncture work for back pain?

Acupuncture is extremely useful for conditions such as lower back pain, sciatica, neck pain, arthrosis, arthritis, bursitis, etc. It is a valuable tool in pain control and an effective alternative to drugs.

Acupuncture treatment for back pain can have varying levels of success, ranging from palliation, in cases of acute pain, to the complete regression of the condition in the most responsive cases.
Nowadays, conditions such as low back pain are among the most frequent in the general population.

Acupuncture has been shown to be equal to or greater than drug therapy in the treatment of chronic and recurrent low back pain. This has prompted its introduction in guidelines for the treatment of low back pain, as a possible co-treatment or as an alternative to drugs, and even its dispensation by National Health Services in many countries.

How does acupuncture relieve back pain?

Acupuncture’s action on back pain is mediated both by the release of central opioids (Endorphins and Dinorphins) and by its action on muscle trigger points, which allow the release of contractures. Once the acupuncturist has visited you and made a diagnosis, they will be able to identify the best remote, local and adjacent points, as well as element points to obtain the maximum possible result and the rapid decrease in pain symptoms.
In some cases auricular acupuncture may be added as it offers several advantages among which the possibility of keeping needles in place and prolonging the effect of acupuncture.

A combined approach to include physiotherapy can be useful in some cases, and in particular in situations where posture or lack of exercise are at the root or concur to the problem.

How many sessions of acupuncture are needed for back pain?

There is no fixed rule. If we speak of an acute contracture low back pain, 1 or 2 sessions may be sufficient. However, in serious chronic or recurrent cases of back pain, it may be necessary to carry out more treatments over time.