Chronic back pain is a very common health issue. In fact, it has been the most prevalent cause of disability in the United States as far back as the 1990s.
Many people who suffer from chronic back pain spend thousands of dollars on treatment and management. But, when it is an ongoing problem, finding the best pain relief can be quite a challenge.
When medications aren’t enough, some patients turn to other alternatives for treating chronic back pain, such as acupuncture.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese healing that relies on the energetics of the body as its basis for treatment. Western medicine used to be against acupuncture when it was first introduced in the United States in the 1970s. However, it has now become a widely accepted and accessible pain management treatment, according to Harvard Health.
A licensed and trained acupuncturist in Gainesville embeds hair-thin needles at specific areas, or pressure points in the body to help with chronic back pain. According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the acupuncturist finds the “qi” or the right energy to target the painful nerves and facilitate the healing. Western medicine explains the effectiveness of acupuncture in different ways. The commonly accepted theory is that the needles stimulate the central nervous system, which, in turn, releases biochemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain that improves the body’s ability to heal.
The needles are not harmful, painful, or uncomfortable as they are only inserted skin-deep. However, it might sting and deliver a tingling sensation for a few seconds. Still, the tool is considered very safe and is FDA-approved. All needles are sterile and single-use only.
How Acupuncture Relieves Chronic Back Pain
According to a study published in The Journal of Pain, 80 percent of patients with chronic back pain experienced a significant reduction of their back issues with six to 15 acupuncture sessions lasting at least 30 minutes each. More than that, the effects of the treatment seemed to have lasted 12 months later after undergoing acupuncture.
Apparently, acupuncture not only works to relieve the pain for the short-term. It also encourages patients to rely less on pain medication, which may have side effects, and it helps patients get quality sleep.
This procedure is believed to trigger and stimulate the nervous system so that it releases chemicals that act as natural pain relief. Some experts also say that these chemicals might have properties akin to opioids, morphine and hydrocodone, thus its effects are stronger. The pressure points targeted during an acupuncture procedure could also be sending hormones that can shut down the pain receptors, or increase endorphins that make pain management better.
For people with numbness and tingling in their legs (symptoms of impinged nerves), acupuncture can stimulate the nerves and help them to heal. Many people reported that after 6-12 sessions the affected area(s) were significantly smaller or completely disappeared.
Acupuncture’s Best Practices
If you’re considering acupuncture in Gainesville, Fl for your chronic back pain, you must ensure that you consult with a licensed professional who uses sterilized needles and conducts the therapy sessions at a proper clinic. It might help to seek a recommendation from someone who has already tried the acupuncturist’s services, or you should get referrals from a doctor, or medical professional you trust.
You might feel some minor soreness, or bruising after your first procedure, but these discomforts should go away after a day or two. If you are taking medications for a bleeding disorder, you must first discuss this with the acupuncturist before undergoing the therapy to avoid any untoward incident. Although these are rare with acupuncture, it’s always good to discuss any concerns before you settle down at the acupuncturist’s table.
Where to Find the best acupuncturist in Gainesville?
If you have been suffering from chronic back pain, you might benefit from the services of the best acupuncturist in town. Talk to our world-class acupuncturist at Guan Physical Therapy and Acupuncture, Gainesville to get the best assessment and acupuncture options for your health needs. For more information, please Contact Us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
