Acupuncture for Back Pain
Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago. Its popularity in the U.S. has grown considerably over the past 20 years. Acupuncture is the insertion and penetration of very small sterilized stainless steel needles through your skin at precise points on your body. Several studies suggest that acupuncture may help relieve lower back pain.
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Acupuncture & Back Pain
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The Mayo Clinic says some studies suggest that acupuncture can help diminish pain and may even reduce nausea that's caused by chemotherapy. Some people who suffer from lower back pain say acupuncture eases their symptoms.
A 2007 National Health Interview Survey found more than three million adults used acupuncture as an alternative or complementary treatment for back pain.
Study
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According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) a study involving 638 adults with chronic lower back pain found acupuncture or simulated acupuncture treatments (shallow needling on parts of the body not considered key acupuncture points), more successfully controlled lower back pain that standard care.
The study was led by Daniel Cherkin, Ph.D.,of Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle. The findings were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The NCCAM says the results of the study are valuable to patients and practitioners seeking a reasonably safe and effective remedy for back pain.
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Anaylsis of Studies
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Researchers from the University of Maryland school of Medicine and the Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, U.K., examined more than 30 studies conducted worldwide on acupuncture as a treatment for low back pain.
They found acupuncture offered a significant reduction in pain in the short-term (three weeks) and this relief appeared to be maintained over the longer term. However additional studies are underway.
The study results will be published in the April 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Acupuncture Therapy
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Acupuncture therapy generally involves a series of weekly or biweekly treatments. It's common to have up to 12 treatments in total. Depending on where the needle is to be placed, you will lie face down, face up or on your side.
You may feel a split second sharp sensation when the needle is inserted, followed by a deep achy feeling when the needle reaches the targeted depth. The needles are left in place from 5 to 20 minutes. The entire acupuncture session lasts approximately about 30 minutes.
Benefits & Risks
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When performed correctly, acupuncture is safe and has few side effects. It may be a good alternative if you don't want to take pain medications or they do not adequately manage your discomfort.
The most widespread side effects of acupuncture are bleeding, bruising or soreness at the needle sites. In very rare cases, a needle may break or an internal organ might be harmed.
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