If you struggle with chronic back pain, you already know how taxing it can be on your body to rely on medication for relief. Chronic back pain can also affect your mental and emotional health, leaving you easily frustrated when pain persists despite treatment.
When you’ve exhausted your other options for chronic back pain and are looking for alternative treatments, it may be time to consider the many health benefits of acupuncture.
The history of acupuncture
Acupuncture has a long history, rooted in Chinese culture and tradition. The focus of acupuncture techniques surrounds the patterns of energy that flow through the body. Your life force, or qi, requires proper energy flow to ensure you maintain optimum health.
In addition to the central life force, your body contains over 2,000 points that connect with meridian pathways and allow your qi to flow freely. It’s believed when these pathways are blocked, you’re susceptible to a number of health issues, including chronic pain, that affects your quality of life.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-thin needles into different points on the body. These needles open the pathways, removing obstructions that block the energy flow.
Acupuncture basics
At Premier Spine & Sports Medicine, Dr. Clark offers acupuncture as a treatment for various musculoskeletal issues, like knee pain, neck pain, sciatica, and chronic back pain. He’s experienced in acupuncture techniques that can revitalize your health and restore balance to your body.
During your custom treatment, Dr. Clark inserts the thin needles into points on the body that are in and around the root of your back pain. He determines how deep the needles should penetrate to provide you with the most benefits.
Once inserted, the acupuncture needles can be manipulated in several ways, such as twisting, to stimulate nearby nerves and areas of electrical activity that sends messages to your brain. In turn, your brain releases chemicals that naturally boost your mood, give you more energy, and help you enjoy a greater sense of peace.
Dr. Clark can also safely deliver low currents of energy to further stimulate your brain and enhance your results. You may feel tingling or warming sensations while the needles are in place, but can otherwise relax throughout your acupuncture session.
Treatment is painless and can last a few minutes or as long as an hour, depending on your needs. Once it’s complete, you can return to your usual activities without any need for recovery or downtime. The needles leave no marks or scars.
Beyond back pain
In addition to alleviating chronic pain in your back, acupuncture can also address other conditions that cause persistent pain or limit your mobility. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective at:
- Boosting energy
- Improving digestion
- Promoting relaxation
- Treating reproductive disorders
- Reducing anxiety and depression
You can even use acupuncture as a part of a health maintenance plan to enhance your immune system.
Acupuncture is an alternative to pain medications for chronic back pain relief. Schedule a consultation at Premier Spine & Sports Medicine to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture therapy. Call the office in Hagerstown, Maryland, or use the button to book your appointment online.
For more information, please visit our Instagram and Facebook pages.