Acupuncture and
Chronic Low Back Pain
Low back pain remains as one of the most frequented reasons to visit a
doctor. However, the most common problem is “nonspecific” or “idiopathic” low
back pain, and it is this disorder that is most often associated with chronic
or recurrent symptoms.
Alternate medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] treatments
such as Acupuncture are helpful in treating such conditions. TCM works on the
physiological system which looks at the harmony between the body, mind and
spirit. Internal disharmony is believed to be due to a blockage or improper
flow of the energy or Qi. Acupuncture needles inserted at specific acu-points
are believed to restore the proper flow of Qi.
Acupuncture can be used as a multidisciplinary approach before or
together with conventional treatment such as physical therapy, pain medicine
etc. Caution should be taken that electro-acupuncture is not performed on
patients with implanted electric devices such as pacemakers.
During an acupuncture session for low back pain, and based on patient
history and physical examination, specific areas will be identified for needle
insertion. Nonetheless, there are common acu-points that may be used to treat
low back pain. Supplementary procedures such as tongue checks and or herbal
medicines may be used to comprehensively treat the condition.
Typically post insertion of needles, the patient is advised to rest and
relax for about 15-30 minutes. Manual stimulation of needles by the
practitioner may be done to create a dull, localized “needle grasp” tugging
sensation. Further stimulation can be done using moxibustion (burning the herb
at the end of the needle) and application of heat.
Although number of sessions of acupuncture varies from case to case, a
minimum of around 10 sessions maybe needed, with visits of at least twice a
week. Major side effects from acupuncture are rare and it is mostly considered
a safe practice. Acupuncture has shown to have an effect on the limbic
structure post treatment for low back pain patients.
Acupuncture provides short-term pain relief and functional improvement
and is a recommended option for low back pain treatments. Physiotherapy in the
form of mild stretching and strengthening programs go a long way in aiding the
acupuncture program.
At the end of treatment, the patient’s response, particularly - levels
of pain, mood, and general activity level are checked and it is determined whether
additional acupuncture treatments should be received or not.
