Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine. It dates back thousands of years, and still survives as one of the most effective treatments for many ailments.
Acupuncture is performed by placing needles into specific points in the body to relieve pain, symptoms and for other therapeutic purposes. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the acupuncture points are located on energy 'meridians' along which 'Qi' flows.
This study, performed by a group of researchers with Group Health in the U.S., was originally undertaken to determine if acupuncture was more effective than traditional treatments in relieving and treating lower back pain.
The study was aptly name 'Stimulating Point to Investigate Needling Efficacy (SPINE)', and was one of the largest studies of its kind.
Led by Dr. Daniel Cherkin, 638 randomly selected adult patients were asked to rate their chronic lower back pain on a scale of zero to 10. The average rating was at least a 3 out of 10. None of the participants had tried acupuncture before. This group was then dividided into four groups:
Group One: Individualisd acupuncture with a needle, a diagnostician designed a customised prescription for acupuncture points.
Group Two: Standard needle acupuncture using a single prescription for acupuncture points on the back and back of the legs. This prescription is known by experts to be effective in relieving back pain.
Group Three: Simulated acupuncture using a toothpick in a needle guide instead of an acupuncture needle, without penetrating the skin.
Group Four: Standard medical care which the patients would have received anyway, and that all patients receiveid.
All the participants in the study were treated twice per week for three weeks, followed with one treatment a week for four weeks.
The researchers measured improvements and changes in symptoms after eight weeks, 26 weeks and 52 weeks.
After eight weeks, all three acupuncture groups were feeling a lot better, compared to the fourth group who were only receiving standard medical care. The benefits of the acupuncture lasted for over a year following the final treatment.
Karen J. Sherman, co-author to Dr. Cherkins, said "We don't know why people got back pain relief from the simulated acupuncture. Historically, some types of acupuncture have used non-penetrating needles. Such treatments may involve physiological effects that make a clinical difference."
The researchers said that there is some evidence that even needles were used 2000 years ago in acupuncture treatment, and some imaging studies have shown that "superficial and deep needling of an acupuncture elicited similar blood oxygen level-dependent reponses."
Regardless of how acupuncture works, the research team said acupuncture appears to be a safe and painless way to easing an aching back, especially when traditional medicine alone fails.
The Spinal Centre comment:
This research supports what Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have known for literally thousands of years.
When performed on the specific points, acupuncture affects a wide range of bodily mechanisms, and because of its diversity, it can treat a variety of ailments, including:
- Lower back pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Neck pain
- Asthma
- Bed wetting
- Migraine and headaches
- Bladder dysfunction
- Sporting injuries
And this is to just name a few.
Combined with Chiropractic treatment, Acupuncture offers one of the best and most effective treatments for a whole range of ailments, especially back pain.
Acupuncture works to relax you prior to a Chiropractic adjustment (so you gain more from your correction), improves circulation, blood flow and reduces pain, muscle spasm and inflammation - so you heal faster.
We have used Acupuncture and Chiropractic together in the clinic for years with great results. Indeed, if you seek an end to your back pain, combining Chiropractic with Acupuncturist will provide you with the best treatment possible.
There are also a few really great supplements that will help to relieve symptoms.
Eagle Pharmaceuticals HerniDisc is a comprehensive anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant for back pain. Hernidisc is also multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with added herbs, homoeopathics, bio-flavonoids and essential nutrients for bone and ligament ailments.
Hernidisc is used extensively for people with muscle and skeletal problems, and in particular, disc herniation or disc protrusions. Hernidisc acts as a good anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant to assist in recovery from disc injuries and disability.
Magnesium is also essential for the relief of cramping, spasming and tight muscles - ailments which are often a major complaint from back pain sufferers.
Bioceuticals Ultra Muscleze provides a potent dosage of magnesium in a pleasant tasting powdered form. It works extremely quickly to relieve tight, sore and cramping muscles, and will help to give you a good nights sleep.
In addition to supplementation, ensure that you are eating well, remain hydrated and continue to move. Though it may be tempting to lie down all day, life doesn't slow down because you don't feel great.
Go for a light walk, start some slow, gentle stretches and keep moving. Even floating on your back in a pool is ideal for the relief of back pain.
As you can see, there are so many safe, natural and harmless alternatives to prescription drugs, pain killers and surgery. With a little effort, you can easily get rid of your pain whilst also ensuring your health.
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