Back pain

Most low back pain results from injury to the muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs. Certain diseases (pelvic inflammation, uterine tilt, abdominal diseasesetc.), pregnancy can also cause back pain.

Symptoms of back pain can include:

• Aching or stiffness along your spine

• Sharp, localized pain in the back.

• Chronic ache, inability to stand or sit for long.

Research has shown that acupuncture is better than no treatment and at least as good as standard medical care for back pain (Cherkin 2009). Some evidence is encouraging in that acupuncture may be more effective than medication for symptom improvement or relieve pain better than sham acupuncture. (Lee 2013)

Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(9):858–866. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2009.65

Lee J, et al. Acupuncture for Acute Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review The Clinical Journal of Pain. 2013
doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31824909f9