Questions? Contact Us Name: Phone: E-Mail: Comments here.

Back pain is the great equalizer; most people at some point will experience back pain, and it is one of the more common reasons people seek medical attention. Back pain causes endless days of missed work and enjoyment.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that, while the health of the nation seems to be improving, one condition in particular is not abating: pain. This includes pain in the back.

Back pain has a number of causes. Among these are sprains and strains that occur as the result of an injury or poor posture; herniated discs (when the inner part of the cushion between two vertebrae bulges out); or sciatica, pain that results from the irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Acupuncture and Back Pain Relief

Acupuncture works to relieve back pain in two different ways:

• It decreases the stimulation of nerve signals that cause pain and reduces the release of chemicals that may cause inflammation and stimulate nerve endings. It helps with the release of serotonin, which works to interrupt pain signals before they can reach the brain. Acupuncture inhibits stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to regulate inflammation and pain.

• It also may help with the release of naturally occurring opiate-like chemicals in the body—essentially eliminating the need for harmful drugs by allowing the body to take advantage of its own natural painkilling abilities.

Study Provides Proof of Acupuncture’s Effect on Lower Back Pain Patients

A study documented in the Clinical Journal of Pain* revealed proof that acupuncture is an effective and safe method of relieving lower back pain. In this study, patients were selected who had suffered from lower back pain for at least six months and had not responded well to other treatments—including medication.

The results of this study are dramatic. Patients were assessed at intervals of one, three, and six months following treatment; all indicators showed that acupuncture was effective. The group that received true acupuncture treatments reported lower pain scores in both the morning and evening, while the placebo group experienced more pain after one month and onward.

Of the fourteen true acupuncture patients, six had previously been unable to work. After the final treatment, all of them had returned to work. These lower back pain sufferers experienced fewer episodes of sleep disturbance. The total use of pain-relieving medications was also reduced.

Treatment for Back Pain at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center

Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center offers personalized holistic treatment plans for our back pain patients. In addition to acupuncture, we offer chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy.

Please contact our facility to learn more about how we can be helpful in the treatment of your back pain in our Monmouth County rehabilitation center.

* Carlsson C, Sj˜lund B. Acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled study with long-term follow-up. Clinical Journal of Pain 2001;17(4):296-305.