Acupuncture
Acupuncture as a treatment
Acupuncture is a recognized and recommended form of treatment for people with back pain.Acupuncture stems from traditional Chinese medicine and it consists of inserting fine needles into specific areas in the body. These points are located along energy “meridian” lines which aim to increase flow of energy “Qi” and this helps to restore balance, heal and reduce pain. However, there are also other more westernized ways of doing acupuncture, such as dry needling and trigger point needling which means inserting needles into tight muscle areas to relieve tension.
Scientific studies on acupuncture indicate that inserting a needle through the skin has physiological effects in its own right and in fact, it is not as important whether it is an acupuncture point or not, which may seem confusing for someone with back pain who may wish to try this treatment. Studies have explained that the effects of inserting a needle create a release of happy hormones (endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, etc.) and this is what can lead to less pain. Having a real acupuncture treatment gives very similar results to sham acupuncture (what we call placebo) but there is a big difference between receiving nothing and receiving something (even if placebo).
In summary, acupuncture does provide short-term pain relief which can help with improvement in function. It is not so important as to which type of acupuncture is used because it works through the nervous system and the brain. It is recommended that for even better results, acupuncture is combined with conventional treatments such as exercise and physiotherapy.
References:
Liu, L., Skinner M., McDonough,S., Mabire L., Baxter GD (2015)Acupuncture for Low Back Pain: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; 2015: 328196. Published online 2015 Mar 4. doi: 10.1155/2015/32819
Madsen M.V., Gotzsche, P.C., Hrobjartsson, A. (2009). Acupuncture treatment for pain: systematic review of randomized clinical trials with acupuncture, placebo, acupuncture, and no acupuncture groups. BMJ. 338:a3115
The Patient Line website offers information for patients with spinal conditions:
Sciatica, back pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, scoliosis and many other spine conditions explained in a clear reliable, and trustworthy way. Not for profit EUROSPINE experts are here to help patients and their families understand what may be worrying them.
EUROSPINE is a society of spine specialists of various disciplines with a large knowledge of spine pathologies. All well-known and accepted treatment modalities for spine pathologies are represented by the members of the society. However, the Society cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the information provided; the user and their health care professionals must retain responsibility for their health care management.
