23/05/2022

Low back Pain

Acupuncture scienctific studies for Low back Pain

Low back pain
How does acupuncture assist with low back pain?
Acupuncture has a positive effect on acute and chronic low back pain, in terms of both pain
relief and function.
Through stimulation of the central nervous system, acupuncture releases naturally occurring
opioid peptides in the body, providing pain relief when pain receptors of the body are
overstimulated.
Activation of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland allows acupuncture to have an effect on
neurotransmitter and neurohormone secretion, which deal with pain, muscle, and organ
function. Stimulating electromagnetic signals through acupuncture points encourages the flow of
endorphin, further providing pain relief.
TCM:
The lower back houses the Kidneys. In TCM, there is a relationship between the health of the
lower back and that of the Kidneys. The Kidneys are taxed through aging, poor diet,
overworking, chronic illness, anxiety, and insufficient rest. Qi and/or Blood are depleted can no
longer nourish the muscles of the lower back. Through acupuncture, the Kidneys, Qi, and Blood
can be nourished so that the lower back can heal and strengthen.
Stagnation of Qi and Blood can also occur through trauma or repetitive strain. Acupuncture
promotes the flow of Qi and Blood, dispersing the stagnation and relieving pain.
An external invasion of Cold, Damp, Heat, or Wind can penetrate the lower back, especially in
those with a weaker immune system, further aggravating a weak lumbar. Acupuncture and
herbs have the ability to disperse the Cold, Damp, Heat, and Wind to relieve the aggravated
lumbar. They may also strengthen the immune system so that future attacks fail to invade the
body.

References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24026151
Lam, M., Galvin, R., Curry, P. Effectiveness of acupuncture for nonspecific chronic low back
pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Nov
15;38(24):2124-38. 47.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23269281
Lee, JH., Choi, TY., Lee, MS., Lee, H., Shin, BC., Lee, H. Acupuncture for acute low back pain:
a systematic review. Clin J Pain. 2013 Feb;29(2):172-85.
(see e-mail attachment)
Liu, L., Skinner, M., McDonough, S., Mabire, L., & Baxter, G. D. (2015). Acupuncture for Low
Back Pain: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Evidence-Based Complementary and
Alternative Medicine. doi:10.1155/2015/328196
(see e-mail attachment)
Liu, L., Skinner, M. A., Mcdonough, S. M., & Baxter, G. D. (2017). Acupuncture for chronic
low back pain: A randomized controlled feasibility trial comparing treatment session numbers.
Clinical Rehabilitation, 31(12), 1592-1603. doi:10.1177/0269215517705690
https://www.mvclinic.es/wp-content/uploads/2008_Wang_Acupuncture-Analgesia_Basis.pdf
Wang, S., Kain, Z. N., & White, P. (2008). Acupuncture Analgesia: I. The Scientific Basis.
Anesthesia & Analgesia,106(2), 602-610. doi:10.1213/01.ane.0000277493.42335.7b

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