Acupuncture for Back Pain: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Relief
Medically reviewed by David Kesselman, DC
Acupuncture for back pain is a complementary therapy that's often used alongside more conventional medical treatments. As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been used to treat different types of pain and promote better health for thousands of years.
Modern-day systematic reviews on the effectiveness of acupuncture for back pain have shown mixed results. Some studies and clinical trials show that acupuncture works well for relieving chronic and acute back pain; others suggest it doesn't provide significant or long-lasting pain relief.
Read on to learn what you need to know about if and how acupuncture relieves back pain, what to expect during an acupuncture session, how to find a board-certified acupuncturist, and more.
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How Acupuncture Works for Relieving Back Pain
Acupuncture was first practiced in China over 3,000 years ago and has been widely used as a "complementary" or "alternative" therapy in the United States since the 1970s. Despite being an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 21st-century scientists still aren't exactly sure how acupuncture works. Even after countless studies and randomized clinical trials, the million-dollar question remains: How does acupuncture relieve pain?
Fear of Needles? Don't Worry.
Even if you have a fear of needles used to draw blood or inject medicine, there's no need to be afraid of small acupuncture needles. These hair-thin needles may cause a slight sting or "prickly" sensation when they first puncture the skin, but you won't even know they're there if you don't look.
The original theory of how acupuncture works is rooted in the concept of vital Qi (pronounced "chee") energy flowing through different channels or meridians in the body. When someone is experiencing back pain, the belief is that inserting acupuncture needles in specific trigger/release points can unblock stagnated Qi energy flow in ways that have an analgesic, pain-relieving effect.
One evidence-based mechanism of action hypothesis is that acupuncture releases endorphins (the body's endogenous morphine) and that these endogenous opioid peptides (EOPs) act as natural painkillers.
Acupuncture may trigger a placebo effect that seems to have legitimate therapeutic benefits for people with back pain. The notion that acupuncture works via the placebo effect is a hotly debated and somewhat controversial topic among experts in the field. To date, clinical trials comparing authentic acupuncture to placebo controls have led to contradictory and inconclusive findings.
Although it's unclear how well acupuncture alleviates back pain, evidence-based research suggests that, in most cases, this alternative therapy often has more potential benefits than risks and may provide temporary natural pain relief for some people. That said, more high-quality acupuncture research is needed.
How Many Sessions Do I Need for Therapeutic Relief?
A typical acupuncture session involves puncturing the skin with anywhere from five to 20 needles. People usually have between one and three, 15–30 minute weekly sessions for 6–12 weeks to get therapeutic relief.
People with back pain may feel immediate (but not long-lasting) pain reduction after one treatment. Many health insurance plans will cover numerous acupuncture sessions in a calendar year. For example, Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers 12 acupuncture treatments for chronic low back pain in a 90-day period and 8 more if someone shows improvement for a total of 20 sessions in a 12-month period.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Back Pain
The biggest potential benefit when using acupuncture for back pain is an instant reduction of pain intensity right after treatment. A 2023 randomized trial found that trigger point acupuncture for people with chronic low-back pain had a significant short-term effect on pain relief. However, there was no evidence of long-term benefits eight weeks after treatment sessions completely stopped.
Although acupuncture may not eliminate back pain, there is moderate evidence that a 15-30 minute acupuncture session causes pain reduction immediately after treatment and that back pain relief can last for days.
A 2019 systematic review and analysis of randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture’s swift pain-reduction benefits can last until the next follow-up visit when someone receives acupuncture treatments one to three times per week.
Research suggests that in addition to the localized pain-reduction benefits of acupuncture therapy specifically targeting back pain, these treatments can also have whole-body effects that improve overall well-being.
Acupuncture Trigger Points for Back Pain
BL 40, a spot behind the right knee, is considered the "grand acupuncture point" for the lower back. For back pain that extends down the leg (sciatica), the recommended acupuncture points are along the back of the legs leading to the tailbone, including GB 30, BL 31, BL 37, BL 40, and BL 57.
Acupuncture Risks and Safety Considerations
Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated and considered safe, but there are some potential risks. The most common adverse reactions to acupuncture treatment include:
The possibility of getting an infection from unsterilized acupuncture needles has historically been a predominant safety consideration. The disinfection and sterilization of acupuncture needles is a precondition for safe treatment.
Therefore, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations mandate that all acupuncture needles (considered a Class II medical device) are disposable, single-use only, and must come directly from a sterile, factory-sealed package that’s opened moments before each patient receives treatment.
Always speak to a healthcare provider before seeking out acupuncture treatment. For people taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, or those who have a pacemaker, acupuncture isn’t recommended. Always tell an acupuncturist about any medical conditions, supplements, or prescription medications you're taking before receiving treatment.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session for Back Pain
At the beginning of an acupuncture session, the practitioner will swab your skin with a germ-killing sanitizer, such as 60-70% isopropyl alcohol, before inserting any of the minuscule stainless steel needles. As the acupuncturist inserts each needle, you may experience a sharp, prickly sensation at the point of entry, but the procedure is usually painless.
Once the needles are inserted at the appropriate trigger points, they remain in the skin for a few minutes as they’re stimulated by hand or with a low-voltage electric current, then removed. On average, an acupuncture session lasts about 30 minutes.
Many people feel energized after an acupuncture session and experience immediate back pain relief soon after removing the needles.
Other Complementary Therapies for Back Pain
There’s low- to moderate-quality scientific evidence that the following complementary therapies and mind/body practices may be helpful for chronic back pain lasting three months or longer:
For acute low-back pain lasting up to four weeks, there’s low-quality scientific evidence that acupuncture, massage therapy, or spinal manipulation can be helpful. Based on patient preferences and available treatment options, creating an individually tailored mix of different complementary therapies may enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture.
Before getting acupuncture or other alternative treatments, speak with a healthcare provider about what personalized blend of conventional and complementary therapies would be optimal for you based on your medical history and back pain symptoms.
How to Find an Acupuncture Practitioner for Back Pain
To find a board-certified acupuncturist, visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) website's nationwide directory or call their toll-free number, 888-381-1140. NCCAOM is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that certifies qualified and reputable acupuncture practitioners in the United States.
When evaluating a board-certified acupuncturist's credentials, experience, and patient reviews, look for someone who takes a patient-centric approach and will tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Hygiene and sanitary conditions should be top of mind when choosing an acupuncture practitioner. Never select an acupuncturist flagged for uncleanliness or unsanitary conditions in their reviews. Don't be afraid to ask for a guarantee that your acupuncture practitioner always uses brand new, single-use-only sterilized needles from an individual blister package or unopened factory-sealed box before starting your first session.
Summary
Acupuncture can temporarily alleviate back pain. Although its benefits usually don't last long, many people experience a worthwhile reduction in pain intensity immediately after an acupuncture session. Acupuncture is safe and often covered by health insurance. If conventional therapies haven't helped your back pain, trying a complementary therapy like acupuncture may provide some natural pain relief.
Always consult a healthcare professional who can give you personalized advice about acupuncture's potential pros and cons based on your back pain symptoms and other factors.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
