Acupuncture for Back Pain

The practice of acupuncture is based on body energetics. The treatment involves inserting needles at pressure points throughout the body. However, these needles are not meant to cause any pain or discomfort and are rather supposed to provide a calming effect. During the treatment, a licensed acupuncturist will target energy points or meridians with the needles. There are certain meridians that have shown to have specific benefits for healing lower back pain. Some of these points include:

• The back of the knee
• Lower back
• Hands
• Hips
• Stomach

By targeting these specific meridians, the treatment is able to stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the back muscles and brain, such as encephalins, endorphins, and other neurochemicals shown to provide pain relief. The release of these chemicals tends to change how a patient experiences pain in their back or signal the release of hormones that activate the body’s internal regulation system and natural healing abilities.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment

During an acupuncture session, an acupuncturist may insert anywhere from a handful to 20 FDA-approved metallic needles into various pressure points along the body. These needles may barely break the surface or reach a depth of up to a couple of inches. Longer needles are placed in areas with deeper muscle or fat layers. Typically, these needles are left in for up to 30 minutes. Since the needles are hollow, they should not cause any pain or discomfort. Instead, many people feel very relaxed during the treatment.

If you have been using conservative treatments for your leg or back pain but aren’t seeing results, it may be helpful to consult a spine surgeon to see if acupuncture is right for you. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our surgeons are dedicated to treating your pain and helping you get your life back.

Our experienced and board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic specialists work together to treat spine and back disorders with minimally invasive techniques. Our doctors understand that every person is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we treat people, not patients. To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled spine experts, call (866) 272-9271 or complete our online contact form.