Is acupuncture an effective approach to treating back pain? Is it safe?
These are some of the many questions you may have if you seek a safe and effective treatment for back pain. Back pain is one of the most common chronic conditions in Canada. While back pain is prevalent between ages 30 and 50, Statistics Canada reports that 4 out of 5 adults will experience at least 1 back pain at some time in their lives.
For many people, back pain can be debilitating that it hinders them from enjoying their favourite activities. While painkillers help relieve the pain, more individuals are seeking acupuncture in Scarborough for long-term relief from chronic back pain.
Back pain often happens due to muscle or ligament injuries. These injuries can occur from lifting things the wrong way, sitting or standing with bad posture, or not exercising regularly. Being overweight can also make it more likely for someone to injure their back muscles or ligaments.
Sometimes, back pain comes from more severe injuries, like a broken bone in the spine or a disk that’s ruptured. It can also happen because of arthritis or changes in the spine as a person gets older. Infections in the body can also lead to back pain.
Some of the possible causes of back pain include:
Acupuncture, an old Chinese treatment dating back 2,500 years, involves skilled practitioners inserting very thin needles into specific areas of the body, over 2,000 in all. It is based on the belief that disruptions in the body’s energy flow, known as Qi, can lead to pain and illness. By inserting needles into precise acupoints along meridian pathways, acupuncturists aim to restore balance and alleviate symptoms. This technique can help address not just the symptoms but also the underlying imbalances contributing to back pain.
As per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), studies show that acupuncture might assist in reducing chronic lower back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and osteoarthritis. It could also lower the occurrence of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches.
While over-the-counter or prescribed pain meds may give short-term relief, they don’t address the root cause. They might dull the pain, leading someone to keep doing things that could make it worse.
While research on how acupuncture helps reduce back pain is limited, some theories suggest:
Many studies have looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture for back pain. They suggest it can offer significant relief by considering each person’s health and customizing treatments accordingly.
Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, prompting the body to produce beneficial substances, like endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals work to reduce pain and promote well-being. Additionally, acupuncture encourages the release of natural opioids, which further alleviate discomfort. By restoring the body’s biochemical balance and enhancing energy flow, acupuncture enhances the body’s innate healing abilities and fosters both physical and emotional health.
It changes how neurotransmitters are released, which can either enhance or reduce nerve signals. It can also release neurohormones to improve body functions. These natural chemicals can change pain perception or prompt the release of other substances that affect the body’s self-regulation.
Acupuncture addresses blockages in the body’s energy channels, according to ancient Chinese medicine principles. Pain is believed to occur when these channels are obstructed. Acupuncture works to remove these blockages, allowing energy to flow freely throughout the body and supporting overall health.
Acupuncture in Scarborough works well when it’s paired with other non-surgical treatments, like chiropractic care and physiotherapy in Scarborough. Talk to your healthcare team about what treatments to try and when to get them to make the most of acupuncture.
Physiotherapists use various methods to help patients move better, be more flexible, and keep their balance. If your healthcare team suggests physiotherapy along with acupuncture, you might get these treatments:
A chiropractor in Scarborough will work on your bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves to relieve back pain. If you have back pain from issues like sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or herniated discs, chiropractic treatment might be right for you.
One common treatment chiropractors use is spinal manipulation. During this therapy, the chiropractor applies controlled pressure to your spine using their hands or a small tool. This can help reduce pain and improve how well you can move, all without needing opioid medications.
Research from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that people with back and leg pain felt less pain after 12 weeks of spinal manipulation and doing exercises. Even a year later, they needed less pain medication.
Acupuncture offers a natural and effective solution for alleviating back pain and restoring overall well-being. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of acupuncture in Scarborough, PARC of Ontario is here to help. Contact us at (905) 579-9938 to schedule your acupuncture session and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
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