Dealing with chronic low back pain is not something that anyone should have to suffer through. It can impact our daily lives in ways that can be frustrating and, let’s face it, painful. When you are forced to curtail your normal routines due to low back pain it becomes clear that a change is necessary. This is where acupuncture and oriental medicine can help!
Acupuncture encourages the brain to release endorphins and enkephalins, which are the body’s own natural painkillers. These naturally occurring opiates are released from the brain when it registers pain to block pain signal receptors primarily located at the brain stem. This effect is enhanced even further when electro-acupuncture is introduced. This is one of the main reasons why acupuncture has a well-documented, certifiable effect to lower pain.
In addition to electro-acupuncture other therapies have a positive effect on chronic low back pain, such as Tuina and Asian bodywork, Cupping, and moxibustion. Tuina, which is a form of massage, will help open the channels, free flow qi, rectify the muscles, and decrease muscle-skeletal imbalance. Cupping, which is the use of suction, will bring blood flow to the area, while decreasing inflammation and pain. To learn more about cupping click here. Moxibustion is when a specific herb called Aiye, is burned close to the skin to warm and encourage the flow of qi.
Another recommendation from your practitioner might also be to prescribe therapeutic exercises and liniments. Therapeutic exercises will strengthen, as well as stretch the muscles of the back so that they may continue to work properly. Liniments, such as Po Sum On Oil and White Flower Oil, are topical analgesics which can come in the form of an oil or paste applied directly onto the affected skin that are made from different herbs and formulas, that can help to reduce pain.
All of these therapies have the ability to decrease and relieve chronic low back pain. These treatments should be performed under the direction of a licensed practitioner. Make an appointment today for a full examination to address your chronic low back pain.
