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According to statistics, nearly eight out of ten people will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. It is typical to seek medical therapy for back discomfort. Back discomfort is usually only temporary and can be treated with rest, heat, and an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen on occasion. However, once the damage has been done, back pain can reoccur up to 50% of the time. Part of this is since muscles and tendons become less flexible and malleable as we age. It is also well acknowledged that people in the United States are overly sedentary, which contributes to excess weight gain and increased pressure on the body, particularly the low back.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a roughly 3,000-year-old medicinal system. TCM, however, has a lot of value to offer in the age of modern medicine, despite its age. Low back pain can be treated in a variety of methods in TCM. Here are a few examples of how this old medical method can be of use.
Acupuncture for Low Back Pain: Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce natural steroids that reduce inflammation. Acupuncture also increases the production of endorphins, which are helpful in reducing pain. In this way, acupuncture can be very helpful in preventing costly surgeries or prescription pain medication addiction. If a person seeks out acupuncture treatments when the low back pain is acute, it can potentially help them avoid chronic pain, thus decreasing the need for pain medications or surgery.
Acupuncture Points for Low Back Pain:
Large Intestine 4 – This point is located bilaterally on the backside of the hand, in the webbing between the forefinger and the thumb. When the hand is made into a fist, the point can is found in the center of the mound of flesh that is created. This point is used for relieving pain anywhere in the body.
Gallbladder 34 – This point is found bilaterally on the outer side of the lower leg. It can be found in the depression that is in front of and below the head of the fibula. This point is known as the influential point of the tendons.
Urinary Bladder 40 – This point is located bilaterally on the crease behind the knee, right in the center, directly behind the knee cap. This point helps relieve pain along the spine. It is helpful for relieving muscle spasms and reducing pain associated with sciatic nerve involvement, which stems from the low back.
Chinese Herbs for Low Back Pain: Herbs and combinations of herbs, known as formulas, are used frequently in TCM. They can be used topically in the form of balms or salves, and they can also be taken internally. One specific herb that is found frequently in low back pain formulas is Xu Duan. This herb is used because it strengthens the sinews, promoted blood circulation, and alleviates pain.
Most herbal formulas have specific herbs in them that help target the areas that are affected. For instance, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang contains herbs that target the muscles and sinews of the low back area to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Nutrition for Low Back Pain: Proper nutrition is vital for everyone, but for those suffering from low back pain, it can be extra important to provide the body with the right nutrients. Fatty fish, like tuna and salmon, provide omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation. Grapes and berries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that inhibit enzymes responsible for pain. Hemp seeds are another great food to consume if you are suffering from low back pain. Full of anti-inflammatory properties and healthy fats, hemp seeds can decrease pain and inflammation.
As you can see, TCM is a great way to deal with low back pain. If you are experiencing this problem, call us today, and let’s see how we can help you relieve your back pain.
