Acupuncture and Low Back Pain

Acupuncture and Low Back Pain by Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME

Introduction

Acupuncture is one of the treasures of complementary medicine if you're suffering from low back pain. Whether you're suffering from acute or chronic problems there is a treatment for you. Often, treatment involves treating the Kidney energy system, which may or may not have anything to do with you actual physical kidneys.

Theory

Perhaps you're suffering from muscle pain or pinched nerve, or you've overworked, are fatigued and strained your back. Or you were exposed to cold, damp conditions the winter brings and your back hurts. These can all be treated with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

In Chinese Medicine diagnosis, if you have back pain, you could also have what is called Kidney Yang Deficiency, which is not uncommon.

Signs and symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency in addition to the low back pain also include dark circles under the eyes, diarrhea at the early morning hours, cold hands and feet, low energy, a pale complexion, difficulty hearing, a general feeling of cold, a low libido, and frequent urination.

One gets Kidney Yang deficiency through too much sex, overwork, fatigue, poor diet, lack of exercise, too much stress, unhealthy emotions, dressing poorly in cold weather, and ignoring a proper lifestyle of good diet, exercise and rest. Frequent masturbation or too many sexual partners is common and weakens the kidney energy with each orgasm. When one furthers that with abuse of the body through drugs, alcohol or partying too late in an attempt to release stress or escape problems, too often, Kidney energy problems arise.

Treatment

Your Kidney energy gets deficient and needs to be harmonized through treatment of acupuncture and herbal therapy.

Acupuncture is done locally on the back, but the best acupuncturists don't needle the affected area. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and sends a signal to the brain, which is responsible for homeostasis. A good acupuncture treatment can have an almost instantaneous effect in some acute cases. In chronic conditions that may have taken years to develop, treatment may take longer. It is best to consult with a Licensed Acupuncturist in your area.

Herbs that are given are usually in the form of capsules or BB sized teapills, which are administered for your specific condition, although some Chinese medicine practitioners still prescribe raw herbs or powders. I find that if pills and capsules are used, there is no need to be inconvenienced by the taste, smell and time preparing raw herbs.

Although herbs are natural substances, they can be dangerous if wrongly or self prescribed. Again, it is wise to consult a licensed professional, especially if you are already taking other medications.

Herbs are combined with other herbs of similar function to reduce the danger of toxicity and increase synergistic effect. Herbals are also available as lotions, liniments, herbal wraps, patches and pastes that may be used externally, depending on your condition.

Other Physical Medicine

Practitioners may also use moxibustion, a form of heat therapy near the acupuncture points, to stimulate healing, depending upon the ailment. Other techniques include cupping, massage and manipulation therapy, to align the skeleton.

Conclusion

By consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist, you can be on your way to lasting results from acute injury, recovering from an injury, or dealing with a chronic problem. A good Licensed Acupuncturist will often also prescribe the proper herbs you need, along with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes that you would benefit from.

Clinic hours are available, please call (626)345-0441 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.