The majority of people experience pain in the lower back at some point and for some, the discomfort is enough to interfere with quality of life. Individuals who are seeking relief have many medical options, including surgery and prescription medications. Those who want to take a more natural approach to healing can consider acupuncture for back pain relief.
Injuries to the lower back are common, especially for people working in certain industries. Those who are most susceptible are workers who are constantly lifting heavy objects and people who must stand on their feet for hours at a time. Professional drivers who fail to take frequent breaks may also suffer.
This common musculoskeletal disorder causes tension in the muscles, stiffness, and soreness. Individuals who suffer with this problem have trouble sleeping, walking, and concentrating on work. Many seek treatment from a physician while others suffer in silence and try to get through the day with over the counter medications that provide only temporary relief.
Acupuncture involves using many tiny needles to stimulate specific points on the body to improve energy flow also known as Qi. Some believe the needles stimulate the central nervous system to release chemicals that improve well-being. Some of the chemicals may be opioids, which are natural painkillers.
The needles may also stimulate the body to release neurotransmitters, chemicals responsible for blocking or stimulating nerve transmissions. Needles inserted along certain meridians affect specific organ systems. Sometimes, the insertion point is in a different part of the body from where the person feels discomfort.
Individuals who take prescription drugs are at risk of suffering with multiple side effects. These may include addiction, a reduction in mental focus and the inability to operate machinery or drive a vehicle. In general, acupuncture is considered safe and the side effects are usually mild in comparison.
The risks of undergoing acupuncture are low as long as individuals see a certified practitioner. There is always a risk of infection if needles are not sterilized before use. Possible side effects include soreness at the needle sites and organ injury if the needles are too deep.
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help provide relief. One option is to adopt a regular exercise routine to mobilize and stretch the spine. It is also important to learn the proper way to lift heavy objects to prevent injury. An ergonomic workstation can help those who sit behind a desk for long periods.
Injuries to the lower back are common, especially for people working in certain industries. Those who are most susceptible are workers who are constantly lifting heavy objects and people who must stand on their feet for hours at a time. Professional drivers who fail to take frequent breaks may also suffer.
This common musculoskeletal disorder causes tension in the muscles, stiffness, and soreness. Individuals who suffer with this problem have trouble sleeping, walking, and concentrating on work. Many seek treatment from a physician while others suffer in silence and try to get through the day with over the counter medications that provide only temporary relief.
Acupuncture involves using many tiny needles to stimulate specific points on the body to improve energy flow also known as Qi. Some believe the needles stimulate the central nervous system to release chemicals that improve well-being. Some of the chemicals may be opioids, which are natural painkillers.
The needles may also stimulate the body to release neurotransmitters, chemicals responsible for blocking or stimulating nerve transmissions. Needles inserted along certain meridians affect specific organ systems. Sometimes, the insertion point is in a different part of the body from where the person feels discomfort.
Individuals who take prescription drugs are at risk of suffering with multiple side effects. These may include addiction, a reduction in mental focus and the inability to operate machinery or drive a vehicle. In general, acupuncture is considered safe and the side effects are usually mild in comparison.
The risks of undergoing acupuncture are low as long as individuals see a certified practitioner. There is always a risk of infection if needles are not sterilized before use. Possible side effects include soreness at the needle sites and organ injury if the needles are too deep.
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help provide relief. One option is to adopt a regular exercise routine to mobilize and stretch the spine. It is also important to learn the proper way to lift heavy objects to prevent injury. An ergonomic workstation can help those who sit behind a desk for long periods.
About the Author:
Neil P. Hines is passionate about providing intelligent, unbiased and highly relevant medical information for people dealing with a wide range of pain conditions and related orthopedic needs, including back pain, knee pain, joint replacements, sports medicine, lumbar fusion and more. If you are interested in learning more about Acupuncture PA he recommends that you visit his friends at St. Mary Medical Center.
