Acupuncture for Back Pain

Acupuncture for back pain is the science of using ultra fine needles (and sometimes electricity) to regulate the flow of chi/qi (life energy) through the energy meridians in the body. If the energy in the body is balanced, then the person will be in good health. If the energy is imbalanced, then illness or injury will occur. The modern version of this science is based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine dating back 5000 years.
Acupuncture for back pain

Is Acupuncture Effective?

To truly understand how acupuncture really works, you must have a reasonable grasp of Chinese medicine. However, how it works is really irrelevant. The main point to consider is that acupuncture is a Symptomatic Treatment. It is good for use as a pain reliever when applied by a master practitioner. However, it does nothing to change the physical condition of any spinal injury.

The majority of studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture for back pain use �NO TREATMENT� as a comparison point. The placebo reaction alone will make ANY treatment more effective than NONE AT ALL. It is almost impossible to find case studies of anyone that has been truly CURED of back pain from acupuncture treatment alone.

* Info on Acupuncturists

The Verdict on Acupuncture for Back Pain

I believe in the power of qi and have studied Oriental Medicine and Asian martial arts for many years. In fact, I can tell you that qi does indeed exist and it can influence health. I have been able to break cement blocks with my hands and feet, using the ability to channel qi energy. Despite my beliefs, I do not feel acupuncture is a cure for back pain. I have tried it and found it to be as good as an aspirin. There is simply not enough proof of it�s effectiveness as anything more than a pain reliever.

Try acupuncture for back pain if you are suffering and need relief while you work towards a true CURE. It really can't hurt you, and might relieve some pain and symptoms. It is certainly a much better option than using pain management drugs. Just don�t get sucked in by the rhetoric of many a practitioner, who will claim that acupuncture will cure everything. According to some of these practitioners, all you have to do is have regular treatments, and you will live practically forever in perfect health. I respect this ago old scientific art, but still must insist on telling it like it is...

For short term relief from acute back pain, acupuncture is highly recommended!!! Just do not rely on it as a permanent solution for chronic pain.

Acupuncture for Back Pain to Lower Back Pain Home page 5/29/06 Revised 5/25/08

For more information on other treatments for back pain, you can read more about the acupressure techniques (a chinese self-helped massage). You can also find some simple tips on Chinese Medicine and qigong to help you attain great energy and good health.