Treating low back pain with chinese acupuncture involves inserting small needles underneath the skin to decrease pain, improve function, and increase range of motion in the lumbar spine. Chinese acupuncture is frequently utilized to treat various musculoskeletal problems including sciatica and muscle strains and sprains. Chinese acupuncturists rely on channels, known as meridians, which serve as pathways for the flow of energy throughout the body.

Acupuncturists have identified 12 main meridians along with recognizing several smaller ones. Hundreds of acupuncture pressure points are located along these meridians. Acupuncture Scottsdale specialists believe that the body’s energy flows very close to the surface of the skin at these points.

An AZ acupuncture treatment session starts with a consult, where the acupuncture doctor discusses the individual’s history of present illness and develops a plan individually constructed to the person’s needs. For low back discomfort this often means placing acupuncture needles along the lumbar spine meridians, both the major and minor ones. But needles may be placed in other locations of the body such as the ears. During the procedure, the patient is positioned comfortably on the table and the skin is cleansed and sterilized.

Several needles are then carefully inserted into the skin by the acupuncturist. The acupuncturist may also attach a device known as an electrical nerve stimulator which sends small controlled pulses through the needles. This can amplify pain relief and make the session more effective. This is similar to how a TENS unit works, where small electrical impulses are administered over the skin and can diminish pain through the gate control method. This electrical stimulation decreases the amount of signals traveling to the brain which under normal circumstances tell it to feel pain. Less pain is felt as less signals then get through to the brain.

The goal of the acupuncture specialist is to restore the body’s proper energy balance. Acupuncture is a safe method of care that can be beneficial to patients suffering from low back pain. Most patients benefit from multiple treatments.