Chronic Back Pain

Back pain is one of the commonest pain issues and a major reason for missing work. It can range from a mild ache to a severe debilitating pain, that limits movement. The lower back (lumbar vertebrae) especially, is more prone for injuries or sprains due to its weight-bearing function as well as twisting/ bending movements. Most patients approach us when anti-inflammatory medications, hot or cold compress and physiotherapy fail to provide relief.

Chronic back pain

Back pain is one of the commonest pain issues and a major reason for missing work. It can range from a mild ache to a severe debilitating pain, that limits movement. The lower back (lumbar vertebrae) especially, is more prone for injuries or sprains due to its weight-bearing function as well as twisting/ bending movements. Most patients approach us when anti-inflammatory medications, hot or cold compress and physiotherapy fail to provide relief.

Causative Factors :

As per Classical Chinese Medicine, the root cause could be just a blockage of Qi along the affected meridians or may be a deep pathology of Kidney Qi which nourishes the bones or Spleen Qi which nourishes the muscles, ligaments and tendons.

We have found, Acupuncture works the best in the following conditions:
Degenerative Conditions : Intervertebral disc pathologies, arthritis, osteoporosis
Trauma : Muscle or ligament strain
Lifestyle related: Incorrect body mechanics while lifting heavy objects, poor posture or a desk job that requires long sitting hours.
Red flag: For any case of acute injury or signs of sensory or motor loss along the lower limbs, an immediate radiological and medical or surgical intervention is advised.

Methodology :

As most patients come to us in pain and with restricted mobility, the first line of treatment is to alleviate pain and improve flexion and extension movement by a combination of needling, moxibustion, cupping and Gua Sha. This may take anywhere from 2-5 sessions depending on the severity, age and body weight of the patient. During this process, resting the back is advisable with no lifting or twisting movements. Once the pain subsides and everyday activities are performed with ease, a low impact exercise regime along with dietary advice to strengthen the back is suggested.
The second phase of treatment focuses on building the strength of the back and abdominal core muscles by needling and electrostimulation. In addition, patients are encouraged to start or resume strength training exercises with resistance bands or weights.
To prevent further such episodes in the future, maintenance sessions to nourish the kidney and Spleen Qi are recommended. Smart posture corrections while standing, sitting and lifting along with the necessary workout regime are also advised.

A well-placed needle sets off a cascade of events:
Through the neurohumoral pathway; producing a signal that travels along the spinal cord to the brain, triggering a release of neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphins, serotonin and enkephalins. (Pomeranz, 1987, Zijlstra 2003, Zhao 2008, Cheng 2009).
Reduction of inflammation by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors thereby reducing pain. (Kim 2008, Kavoussi 2007, Zijlstra 2003).
Through enhancing local microcirculation, by increasing the diameter and blood flow velocity of peripheral arterioles. It can repair muscle injuries and strengthen weak muscles or relax tense ones. (Komori 2009).
Due to the concentrated placement of acupoints around the joints, it can influence the stimulation of nerve growth factor and bone growth factors; thereby facilitating tissue regeneration. (Gh, He, Ruan Jw, Zeng Ys, X. Zhou, Y. Ding, and Zhou Gh, 2015)

As per Classical Chinese Medicine, regular Acupuncture sessions in the long run promote production and circulation of Qi, blood and body fluids as well as aid the transformation process by eliminating toxins through sweat, urine and faeces. This, in turn optimises immunity, improves appetite, energy levels and sleep, regularises bowel movements and helps manage stress better.

The safety profile of acupuncture is excellent, with very few adverse events when performed by a trained practitioner.
As no two patients are alike, the duration of the treatment vastly depends on the patient’s age, health habits and the severity of the condition.