Acupuncture for Back Pain in Boston — Johnston Family Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help with chronic upper and lower back pain, and can remedy other issues related to back pain such as headaches, sciatica, hip pain, and leg pain. Acupuncture for lower back pain is one of the most common ailments we treat. Acupuncture can also help alleviate back pain following a surgical procedure and help speed up recovery.

Acupuncture for back pain works in a few different ways.

• Acupuncture helps release tight fascia and muscle in your back for immediate relief and overtime, postural correction.

• Acupuncture increases blood flow to areas of pain, which helps remove inflammation and ultimately alleviates your back pain.

• Acupuncture stimulates your central nervous system, helping relax the pain receptors in your body.

• Acupuncture helps release endorphins, your body’s natural painkiller.

• Acupuncture can help multiple causes of back pain including, but not limited to: disc herniation, muscle strain, SI or facet joint dysfunction, sciatica, and overuse.

When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture has been proven to be safe regardless of your medical history. Prior to beginning your first session, we at Johnston Family Acupuncture will gather and assess your medical history to determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

You may experience mild soreness and bruising at the acupuncture sites but any issues should clear up after a few days.

In many cases, yes, depending on the cause of your back pain. In some cases, maintenance visits are required, but for many patients, we see complete recoveries after a few 3-4 visits. Similar to western treatments, acupuncture will make your pain more manageable at first, but unlike western medicine, addiction or negative side effects are not a risk.

No, the most you will feel is a dull ache or a brief sharp sensation that will go away momentarily. An acupuncture needle is about the size of a human hair, and most patients don’t feel anything at all. In fact, most of our patients are so comfortable that they fall asleep during the treatment!

Your first acupuncture treatment, you should expect to talk in depth about your entire health history. Then a physical exam will be performed by checking your tongue, pulse, abdomen and necessary orthopedic tests. Following the diagnosis, we will prescribe and administer the treatment protocol that will work best for you.

Once the needles are inserted, calming music, dim lights and a heat lamp will keep you relaxed as you rest for about 30 minutes. At then end of the treatment, depending on your issues we might use other techniques such as cupping, moxabustion or nutritional guidelines to help on your pathway to wellness.

While you can expect results after your first session, we recommend continuing treatment to prevent your back pain from returning. Once your pain has subsided significantly, we will customize a treatment plan best for you.

It’s best to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to your acupuncture session. Most acupuncture points that treat back pain are on your legs, hands and lower back, and the session involves resting while the needles are in to get the full effect of the treatment.