Acupuncture – an effective pain therapy for back pain

Acupuncture for back pain: there are numerous therapies for easing back pain. Amongst others, physiotherapy, fascial release, massages, heat treatment, as well as relaxation and stretching exercises. But, if all these don’t work try acupuncture.

Acupuncture for back pain – an alternative pain therapy

Acupuncture is an important part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Goal of the acupuncture is, to stimulate certain trigger points and therewith rebalance existing blockages of the physical energy flow (Qi). According to TCM, the energy flow is disturbed by an unbalanced yin and yang. And this leads to physical and mental complaints. Yin (= female principle) stands for slow, cold and passive. Yang (= male principle) for fast, heat and activity.

Treatment of back pain with acupuncture

By positioning thin needles in painful areas, it is tried to balance energy disturbances (pain). This results in easing pain. Furthermore, the skilled acupuncturist can twist, lift or lower the needles to raise effectiveness. Mostly, a therapy is conducted over several weeks.

Side effects of acupuncture

The treatment with thin needles might lead to minor hematomas or bleedings. Also, the treatment might lead to dizziness. But, almost none serious side effects are known.

Effectiveness of acupuncture for back pain

The effectiveness of acupuncture has been examined in several studies. In a study of the GERAC (German Acupuncture Trials) for example, there were three comparison groups. The treatment of the biggest group was conducted by acupuncturing determined trigger points. In the second group, the needles were positioned on the surface on non-effective points. The third group was treated with classical therapy methods like physiotherapy, heat treatment or massages.

When comparing the results, it was noticed that the properly conducted acupuncture was the most effective therapy.

Imagesource: @istock

Source: German Acupuncture Trials (GERAC) for Chronic Low Back Pain (www.gerac.de)

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