Back Pain with Acupuncture & TCM

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Written by: DrTonyWillcox | Apr 10, 2013

Back Pain with Acupuncture & TCM

When it comes to getting pregnant, old-world techniques may be just what today’s high-tech doctors will order.
By: John Lally Lic.AC.TCM, Clin.AC, Clinic Director

A patient receiving electro acupuncture for back pain

Chronic Back Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It has been estimated that up to 80% of the world’s population will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, with the lower back as the most common location of the pain.

Back Pain Duration and Recurrence:

Most back pain resolves within two weeks. However, research reveals 50% recurrence rates within months.

Why Use Acupuncture for Back Pain?

The use of acupuncture for back pain has surged recently. Moreover, placebo-controlled studies confirm its effectiveness in providing pain relief.
A study in the Clinical Journal of Pain proves that acupuncture safely reduces low-back pain. Additionally, it sustains benefits for over six months.
Furthermore, acupuncture avoids negative side effects, unlike steroids or pain medications.

TCM Definitions of Back Pain: Kidney Chi Deficiency

In TCM, Kidney and Bladder Meridians govern the back. Meanwhile, Kidney Yin or Yang deficiency causes weakness.
Consequently, this deficiency triggers stiffness and pain in the back.

Back Pain with Acupuncture & TCM: Liver Chi Stagnation

TCM emphasizes free-flowing Chi for health. However, Liver Chi stagnation causes moderate back pain and stiffness.
Since Liver governs emotions, stress or anger often exacerbates back pain. For instance, premenstrual syndrome may trigger it.

Blood Stagnation in the Lower Back

Severe Chi stagnation leads to blood stasis. Consequently, this causes intense stabbing pain in the lower back.
Long-term Chi stagnation, often from injury or stress, results in severe pain. Moreover, it restricts blood flow.
In TCM, Liver Chi moves blood. Thus, any blockage creates friction, intensifying pain and stiffness.

Invasion of Wind-Cold

Kidneys are vulnerable to wind-cold or damp-cold invasion. Consequently, cold weather depletes Kidney Yang energy.
Additionally, cold obstructs Chi, causing stagnation. Meanwhile, symptoms include cold sensations, back tightness, and frequent urination.
Furthermore, low energy often accompanies wind-cold invasion in the lower back.

Common Medical Causes of Back Pain

Lumbar Muscle Strain
Muscle strains are the most common cause of low back pain. Patients may or may not remember the initial event that triggered their muscle spasm, but the good news is that most episodes of back pain from muscle strains resolve completely within a few weeks.

Ruptured Disc
A ruptured intervertebral disc also called a herniated disc, is another common cause of back pain. How to treat the back pain from a herniated disc depends on the particular individual and situation.

Discogenic Back Pain
Discogenic back pain is thought to be a common cause of low back pain. Discogenic back pain is the result of damage to the intervertebral disc but without disc herniation. Diagnosis of discogenic back pain may require the use of a discogram.

Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis causes back pain in the aging population. As we age, the spinal canal can become constricted, due in part to arthritis and other conditions. If the spinal canal becomes too tight, back pain can be the result.

Lumbar Spine Arthritis
Arthritis most commonly affects joints such as the knees and fingers. However, arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the small joints of the spine. Arthritis of the spine can cause back pain with movement.

Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis causes back pain because the adjacent vertebra becomes unstable and begins to “slip.” The most common cause of spondylolisthesis is due to degenerative changes causing loss of the normal stabilizing structures of the spinal column. If the spine becomes unstable enough, back pain can become a problem.

About the Author: John Lally Lic.AC.TCM, Clin.AC is the clinic director at the Blue Heron Acupuncture Clinic in Galway, Ireland and is a member of the Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association of Ireland and the European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETMCA)

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References:
1- By John Lally Lic.AC.TCM, Clin.AC, The Blue Heron Acupuncture Clinic in Galway, Ireland