Chinese acupuncture for low back pain involves the insertion of small needles into the skin to reduce or eliminate pain and improve mobility in the lumbar region of the spine. Chinese acupuncture is often used to care for problems such as muscle strain and sciatica. Chinese acupuncturists rely on channels, known as meridians, which serve as pathways for the flow of energy throughout the body.

Acupuncturists recognize twelve main meridians and several minor ones. Hundreds of acupuncture pressure points are located along these meridians. Acupuncture Phoenix specialists believe bodily energy flows superficially to the skin at these particular areas.

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 treatment, patients are situated comfortably on the treatment table with the skin being sterilized and cleaned.

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 may increase the total pain relief achieved and make the session more effective. This is akin to how a TENS machine performs its magic, with small electrical pulses being applied to the skin and diminishing pain via the gate control theory 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 acupuncturist’s goal is to restore the proper balance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is a safe method of care that can be beneficial to patients suffering from low back pain. Most patients benefit from multiple treatments.