Research shows that acupuncture may reduce lower back pain and improve your ability to perform daily tasks. However, there is contradictory evidence.
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific areas or “acupuncture points” of the skin to relieve pain and other ailments.
In this article, we explore whether acupuncture can help with lower back pain, how it works, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
We also discuss the risks and potential side effects of acupuncture, as well as its economic costs.
A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for acute low back pain (LBP). Of his 13 RCTs, 11 had consistently high-quality results. We found an association between acupuncture and small improvements in the following categories:
- intensity of pain
- Ability to perform daily self-care
- Number of pills needed to control pain
However, there was no association between acupuncture and improvements in lumbar, or lumbar, function.
Further studies incorporating high-quality RCTs are needed to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for acute LBP.
Another 2021 systematic review found that acupuncture has shown promising results for patients with chronic LBP and may be beneficial as a first-line treatment. However, the researchers added that it is difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for LBP due to differences in research methods from study to study.
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Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Today, Western practitioners may have different theories about how acupuncture reduces pain.
A 2018 review provides insight into how acupuncture may affect LBP. Reviews say that acupuncture causes microinjuries to the skin. This causes the release of a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is broken down into adenosine and other compounds. Both ATP and adenosine block pain receptors called purinergic receptors, which help reduce pain.
A 2018 review also explained that sham acupuncture appears to be about as effective as “real” acupuncture. In sham acupuncture, the practitioner places the needles on acupuncture points rather than inserting them into the skin. Reviewers suggest that this may be sufficient to activate sensory nerve fibers in the skin and produce an analgesic effect.
Learn more about acupuncture.
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), an initial acupuncture session typically lasts 20 minutes to an hour and includes:
The following sections explain what to expect before, during, and after your acupuncture treatment.
in front
Before treatment, the acupuncturist will ask questions about your general health, including any medical conditions and medications you are taking. We will also physically inspect the area you plan to treat.
The practitioner then asks the patient to sit or lie down. Patients may also be asked to remove certain clothing to access the area that needs treatment.
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Acupuncturists use very thin needles that are several centimeters long. The needles are disposable and pre-sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
Acupuncturists insert needles just under the skin or into the muscles beneath the skin. Leave the needle in place for a few minutes to 30 minutes.
This step initially
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After the practitioner removes the needles, you may experience mild pain at the acupuncture site.
Responses to acupuncture vary. People may feel relaxed, refreshed, energized, or sleepy. Symptoms may get worse before they get better.
How quickly does acupuncture help with pain?
According to the American Institute for Alternative Medicine (AIAM), the effects of acupuncture are usually seen within three to four days. However, the number of acupuncture treatments and the length of time it takes to see effects vary from person to person.
According to the NHS, acupuncture by a qualified doctor is generally very safe, although some people may experience mild short-term side effects. These may include:
- Pain at the insertion site
- Bleeding or bruising at the insertion site
- nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- sleepiness
Serious side effects, such as infections and lung punctures, are rare.
Acupuncture is generally safe. However, if one or more of the following apply to you, you should notify your acupuncturist before undergoing acupuncture treatment:
- Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
- I have a metal allergy
- There is a pre-existing infection in the area where the acupuncturist inserts the needles
You should also tell your acupuncturist if you are pregnant, as certain acupuncture points are not safe to treat during pregnancy.
Find exercises that will help strengthen your lower back.
medicare cover
Some health insurance policies cover acupuncture, while others do not. You should review the policy and understand its contents.
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Across the 723 clinics included in the study, the cost of an initial acupuncture treatment ranged from $15 to $400, with a median cost of $112. This ranges from the lowest deductible to the highest deductible. Costs for follow-up visits ranged from $15 to $300, with a median cost of $85.
You can discuss the cost of acupuncture treatment with your practitioner before your first consultation.
Check to see if Medicare covers acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that involves inserting thin needles into acupuncture points on the skin. Research suggests it may lead to improvement in both acute and chronic low back pain. However, further high-quality studies are needed to determine its effectiveness.
Acupuncture is a generally safe procedure with few serious side effects. However, if you are pregnant or have certain health conditions, please consult your doctor before undergoing acupuncture.
