Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common ailments we acupuncturists see in our clinics. From a sedentary lifestyle to a lack of strength in the pelvic and abdominal muscles, our low backs feel a lot of stress and strain from daily life. Additionally, the low back is very susceptible to the wear and tear of aging. Whatever the cause, acupuncture can help relieve the aching and tension of low back pain.

The channel that is most connected to the low back is called the Bladder Channel. This is the longest and most expansive channel in the body, spanning the head, spine and all the way down to the feet. Because of its location at the back of the body, this channel is very often used to treat low back pain. Most people who experience low back pain have some blockages in their Bladder channel and can find great relief when this area is needled. However, some people are not able to lie on the stomachs for treatment due to their pain. Luckily, acupuncture has many routes to results. We are able to treat low back pain by needling what we call “distal points,” points that are on the hands and feet and legs and arms that have a connection to the area of the low back. These points often work just as well as needling directly into the back.

If you’re experiencing low back pain and want to know how acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, bodywork or gua sha can help, feel free to reach out to Gather Community Acupuncture!