If you have never struggled with lower back pain, you’re in a lucky minority. A surprising 80 percent of Americans have experienced lower back pain at one time or another.

In fact, pain and tightness in the lower back is one of the most common reasons that people seek medical treatment.

Starting at the bottom of your rib cage, lower back pain may encompass your lumbar curve, sacrum, SI joint, and any number of the muscles in the area. Furthermore, the pain can radiate through your buttocks and down your legs.

Low back pain is often caused by heavy lifting, but is also the result of pulling, twisting, or exercising too strenuously.

A common trigger for lower back pain is muscle strain or spasm, but sometimes a bulging or ruptured disc (fibrous cartilage that is found between each vertebrae) can be the culprit. Damage to a disc can cause considerable pain, and often radiates to areas beyond the damage, as the bulge or rupture frequently presses on nerves in the area.

Beyond overdoing it as a weekend warrior, there are a number of direct causes of lower back pain. Carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder interferes with correct alignment of your back, and is a common cause of pain. Chronic slouching or being overweight also put a strain on your lower back, increasing your risk of pain and damage.

If you go to your doctor with lower back pain, chances are that you will be prescribed a medication for the pain, be referred to physical therapy, or in extreme cases undergo surgery. Unfortunately, lower back pain can be stubborn, and some people find no relief despite trying a number of remedies.

The good news is that acupuncture may offer some help. A 2016 report on research reviews published by the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality stated that acupuncture provides relief from lower back pain compared to no treatment.

In addition, the report maintains that acupuncture is comparable or more effective in treating lower back pain than higher risk pain medications. There are a couple of mechanisms in play during acupuncture that may explain why it works for that pain in your back:

Acupuncture stimulates your central nervous system by triggering chemicals that affect your brain, spinal cord, muscles, and the surrounding tissue, essentially blocking or blunting the pain signals getting to your brain. In addition, a few well-placed needles can increase the circulation of your own body’s natural opioids, which decrease the pain and help to promote sound sleep.
Researchers have also found that acupuncture decreases inflammation. They have documented that there is an increase in the circulation of inflammation-fighting white blood cells locally in the areas where the needles have been placed.
Acupuncture also helps by increasing circulation—in this instance, to the area of your lower back, which is crucial to alleviating the pain and tightness in the area.

Many people who are suffering from lower back pain often feel like they have tried everything without finding relief. If you’re suffering with a painful lower back, give us a call today to set up a Free Consultation and see if acupuncture can help you too.