Back Pain Acupuncture

Do you have back pain? Do you know someone who has back pain?

You most likely answered yes to at least one of the questions above. The reason is because so many people have back pain that it is impossible to ignore anymore. Back pain is a huge problem in our society causing discomfort, irritation, loss of productivity and a hindrance to a quality of life.

Many people will experience back pain at some point in their life, and for some it keeps coming back.

Pain in the back comes in various shapes and forms, such as dull, achy, sharp, stabbing, fixed, throbbing and can radiate down the legs causing sciatica. For some people the pain is better in the morning, worse in the morning, better with movement, worse with movement, worse with stress and better with heat or better with cold application. With each type of back pain, there is a new face, and treatment is chosen for the type of pain you have.

The following are some simple things you can try for your back. If your pain is severe, follows an injury, or comes with numbness, weakness or bladder or bowel changes, see a doctor promptly.

Exercise

Too much or too little exercise can be causing or affecting your back pain. If you do not exercise or your exercise levels are low, you need to incorporate movement into your life. Start stretching, moving, running, swimming, walking and weight lifting to improve circulation. If you are the opposite and you exercise too much, you will want to cut down on your physical activity, especially if you are sore after exercise.

Nutrition

Food which can help back pain will again differ depending on the root cause of the back pain. For chronic lower back pain, add black sesame seeds and black beans to the diet. In Chinese medicine, beans are said to benefit the Kidneys, which are linked with the lower back.

If your back pain is due to stress try adding some of the following; watercress, onion family, mustard greens, turmeric, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, marjoram, cumin, fennel, dill, ginger, black pepper, rosemary, various mints, lemon balm. In Chinese medicine these foods are pungent and are used to move blocked energy.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is commonly used for back pain; how people respond varies. Small sterile needles are placed in the local area and distally to help move blocked energy in the back. Other treatments may include cupping or moxibustion or Chinese herbal medicine. Massage is sometimes combined with treatment.

To talk about your back pain, call 647-346-2780 or book an appointment.