Acupuncture For Low Back Pain No Longer Recommended For Nhs Patients
New advice represents a u-turn in treatment for back pain, which affects one in 10 people, after evidence review showed acupuncture no better than a placebo
Acupuncture is no longer recommended as a treatment for low back pain on the NHS, according to new draft guidelines released today by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence .
The u-turn comes after a review of scientific evidence found that the practice was no better than a placebo in treating those living with low back pain and sciatica.
The draft guidelines report that there have now been a large number of scientific trials looking into the effectiveness of acupuncture but that, there was still not compelling and consistent evidence of a treatment-specific effect for acupuncture.
Low back pain is thought affect one in 10 people, while its cost to the UK economy is estimated to exceed £12 billion a year in lost productivity.
Nice guidelines from 2009 on the early management of low back pain recommended that healthcare providers consider offering a course of acupuncture needling comprising up to a maximum of 10 sessions over a period of up to 12 weeks.
But the new draft guidelines, now covering sciatica as well as low back pain, contain an unequivocal volte-face, stating: Do not offer acupuncture for managing non-specific low back pain with or without sciatica.
Common Cause Of Back Pain
Lumbar muscle strains and sprains are the most common causes of low back pain. Many weekend warriors experience injuries and pain from trying to tackle large home projects, such as painting the exterior of their home or doing their own landscaping.
The low back is susceptible to strain because of its weight-bearing function and connection in movements, such as twisting and bending. Muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are over-stretched or torn. Inflammation is common at the site of injury, usually accompanied by pain with movement. Muscle cramping or spasms can occur, as well as decreased function and/or range of motion.
How Effective Is Acupuncture For Treating Lower Back And Upper Back Pain
Opinion is mixed on how effective acupuncture is. Many scientists are sceptical because traditional acupuncture is not backed up by scientific evidence it aims to restore the flow of life-force, or Qi, around the body.
However, the kind practiced by healthcare providers is known as Western medical acupuncture, which is based entirely on scientific evidence showing its ability to stimulate nerves in skin and muscle tissue , releasing pain-relieving endorphins. This can be beneficial for certain conditions such as osteoarthritis and lower back pain, especially when used to complement traditional pain relief methods.
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Acupunture And The Active Person
Acupuncture offers the active person many ways to complement their training program. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are the two polar, yet complimentary, opposites, much like the positive and negative aspects of an electric charge. For the active person, yin would be rest and recovery while yang relates to competing and performing. Also, the training period could be yin and competition and game day could be yang. Acupuncture can be incorporated into both of these components of the athletic experience as a measure of preventive alternative medicine.
For example:
- acupuncture has been known to resolve pain, accelerate healing and increase range of motion. It achieves this by decreasing inflammation, swelling and bruising, relaxing muscles, relieving spasms and lowering the bodys pain response and improving circulation.
- Acupuncture strengthens the immune system by increasing the bodys level of T-cells
- Acupuncture has been known to speed up recovery time and the healing process.
And, there are virtually no side-effects to acupuncture!
Acupuncture is a complement to our other healthcare services and helps patients achieve optimal health.
Are There Any Restrictions On What I Can Do After A Treatment
Youâll probably feel really relaxed, because acupuncture can be very calming. So you might want to have someone who can take you home. If you feel great after your session, you still need to pace yourself so you donât try to do too much, too soon. You should keep taking any medicines your doctor prescribed, too.
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How Much Does An Acupuncturist Cost
The cost of an acupuncture session depends on where you live and on whether or not the practitioner takes your insurance. For example, The UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine charges $124 per session, without insurance. According to Thumbtack, a company that connects customers to professionals, the average cost for an acupuncturist in San Francisco, California is $85 per session. The average cost of an acupuncturist in Austin, Texas and Saint Louis, Missouri ranges from $60-85 per session.
How Does Acupuncture Work For Back Pain
Acupuncture, like most Eastern medicine, is all about keeping the body in balance. The insertion of hair-thin needles into the skin at specific points around the body opens energy channels and allows the qi, or life force, to flow freely.
Pain is a result of a blocked or impaired flow of energy. When the channels are in balance, a deeper healing takes place, which eases back pain and lessons recovery time. And by reducing acute back pain, acupuncture may also reduce the chances of chronic back pain from occurring
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Relieving Pain With Acupuncture
The ancient art of acupuncture has been used in Asia for centuries to treat many conditions and relieve pain. It’s now being used in the United States and other Western countries to ease everything from low back pain, to nerve pain , to headaches, fibromyalgia, and menstrual cramps and more.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into the skin at specific “acupoints.” This may relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals, and by affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with mood.
In Chinese acupuncture, the acupuncturist may turn or twirl the needles slightly or apply heat or electrical stimulation to enhance the effects. He or she may also burn a therapeutic herb near the skin this is called moxibustion.
A Japanese form of acupuncture involves more shallow needle insertion than in Chinese acupuncture, and the needles aren’t usually manipulated. Korean acupuncture focuses on applying needles to points in just the hands and feet.
The acupuncturist typically inserts four to 10 needles and leaves them in place for 10 to 30 minutes while you rest. A usual course of treatment includes six to 12 sessions over a three-month period.
For more on treating common pain conditions and learning about other mind-body solutions to relieve pain, buy Pain Relief, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.
How Does Acupuncture Relieve Pain
During acupuncture, a specialist inserts very thin needles into your skin at certain points in the affected area. When a trained acupuncturist performs acupuncture, you should feel little to no pain from the needles. The acupuncturist may move, heat or apply electrical pulses to the needles to increase their effectiveness. The needles stay in place for about 10 to 20 minutes before your acupuncturist removes them.
Scientists dont understand the entire process behind acupunctures pain relieving abilities, but evidence shows that it helps many patients. In fact, acupuncture can alleviate pain . It also has few side effects and complications, making it worth it for many patients to try. The theories behind why acupuncture can reduce pain include:
- Stimulation of the central nervous system: When the acupuncturist inserts needles into your acupuncture points, they may stimulate the central nervous system. Your body then releases chemicals into your brain, muscles and spinal cord.
- Release of natural opioids: Your brain might create natural opioids that relieve pain and improve your mood.
- Acceleration of electromagnetic signals: The needles may increase the rate of your nerves electromagnetic signals, causing your body to release immune cells or painkilling chemicals.
- Changes in brain chemistry: Your brains release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones changes and impacts how your nerves and organs function.
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What Are The Health Benefits Of Acupuncture
The health benefits of acupuncture can vary depending on the individual. Keep in mind that it may take several acupuncture sessions before you notice any benefits.
Research on the health benefits of acupuncture is still limited, however, there are some studies that found acupuncture to be helpful for specific conditions.
Acupuncture For Back Pain Treatment: Getting Results
- |Acupuncture, Therapies
At any given moment, 23% of the worlds adults are experiencing chronic low back pain. 84% of adults will suffer with the condition during their lifetimes. It impacts their ability to work, socialize, and enjoy a quality of life.
Many turn to acupuncture for back pain treatment. But like any respected ancient alternative healing practice, its essential to understand what acupuncture can and cant doaccording to the science. This will allow you to get the most out of your sessions.
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What Are Complementary & Alternative Therapies
Since acupuncture is a non-drug treatment, you can combine it with other safe therapies such as laser light therapy, heat therapy, or massage. Since you do not have to have a surgical procedure or take time to heal like after an invasive treatment, you can also complete your acupuncture sessions while you stay on track with your exercise plan.
Our Curavi light therapy belts are an excellent complementary therapy for acupuncture because they have no known adverse side effects and do not require the use of prescription medication. They are also safe enough to use with a variety of other non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical back pain treatments. Each device uses an innovative technology known as photobiomodulation therapy , formerly often referred to as low-level laser therapy for treating pain.
By wearing one of our three laser therapy belts for only 30 minutes per day, the medical-grade laser diodes will work to modulate pain and inflammation in your lower back, thereby reducing tension, tightness, and swelling. Choose from the CuraviUltra, which provides up to 420 mW of medical-grade laser light, the CuraviPlus, offering 800 mW of excellent coverage, and our premier device, the CuraviPro, providing you with 1000 mW of professional-grade coverage to relieve mild to moderate aches, spasms, and inflammation.
What Can I Expect From Acupuncture
Most people wonder what they can expect from their acupuncture appointments and treatment sessions. The good news is that you can find an experience that fits your unique needs and preferences. Acupuncturists work in a variety of settings, from alternative medicine clinics to primary care offices. Some people like to visit a relaxing, spa-like environment, while others are more interested in a provider that can give them a physical and offer acupuncture care at the same facility.
When you have acupuncture treatment, you can expect a solution for lower back pain that does not involve surgical procedures or prescription drugs. The therapy may also relieve other ailments that you have at the same time. Expect to attend several treatment sessions over an extended period. Most health insurance plans cover acupuncture to treat chronic pain and other conditions, making many providers affordable for their patients.
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How To Relieve Back Pain
Short-term back pain often goes away by itself, aided by at-home treatments like over-the-counter painkillers and hot/cold compression packs. However, longer-term pain that lasts for a number of weeks requires more targeted treatment.
Your GP will typically prescribe some stronger painkillers to help ease the pain. On top of this, they may recommend exercise classes such as yoga or Pilates to help improve posture and eliminate pain through movement. Physiotherapy can also help you manage chronic, long-term pain.
Another treatment often used to tackle long term back pain is acupuncture. A form of treatment derived from Chinese medicine, acupuncture is increasingly incorporated into a holistic approach to pain management and often used in conjunction with physiotherapy and chiropractic techniques.
All Studies Have Limitations
And this one is no exception. While this study suggests that chiropractic care may be helpful for low back pain, some aspects of the study make it hard to be sure. For example:
If any of these factors had been different, the results might have been different. For example, its possible that if an older population of people with chronic low back pain had been studied, “usual care” might have been the better treatment.
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So How Does Acupuncture Work
Acupuncture is actually an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine involving very thin needles inserted into the body at acupuncture points. These acupuncture points are trigger points in the muscles and great relief from pain can be achieved by needling these points. Besides these trigger points in the muscles, acupuncture points can also be found at other significant anatomical sites, like the nerve-rich areas of tendons and their attachment to the bones. Some treatments have also shown to improve blood flow to the muscles or improve the white blood cell count to assist with the immune system.
Should You Try Acupuncture For Back Pain
Most patients in my practice come to see me for pain relief. Neck and back pain are the most common conditions. Since acupuncture is usually sought out last after more conventional medicine has not achieved the desired result, many of my patients are surprised at how effective it this centuries old method can be. Its a very rewarding experience to see my patients able to either be pain-free or living with less pain!
For anyone who may be thinking of acupuncture as a modality of treatment, I say, make it your choice, not your last resort.
1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health . Acupuncture: In depth. January 2016. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction. Accessed August 19, 2016.
2. Liang FF, Chen WY, Chen B, Xu QG, Zhan HS. Effect of acupuncture therapy on patients with low back pain: A meta-analysis. Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2016 29:449-455. Abstract. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27505963. Accessed August 19, 2016.
3. Zou G, Yi QC, Wu SX, Lu YX, Wang FS, Yu YG, et al. Enkephalin involvement in acupuncture analgesia-radioimmunoassay. Sci Sin. 1980 23:1197-1207. Abstract. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7455665. Accessed August 19, 2016.
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Treatments For Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body cells and tissues, causing pain and inflammation. Most cases primarily affect the joints.
Most people with RA take medications to help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate the symptoms.
Prescription treatments fall into two main types: disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics.
DMARDs
DMARDs slow the progression of RA and ease the symptoms of the disease. They work by suppressing the immune system response that attacks and damages the joints. Without treatment, this process could cause further damage to nearby bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Biological therapies
People usually take biologics alongside DMARDs if the DMARD has been ineffective on its own. Biologics work by stopping particular chemicals in the blood from triggering the immune system to attack the joints.
Newer medications
A doctor may prescribe a new type of medication called for adults with severe RA. These drugs block chemical messengers called cytokines from triggering an immune response.
Below are some FAQs about acupuncture.
Pinpointing The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Back Pain
A staple of traditional Chinese medicine , acupuncture or needling has been used to treat back pain for over 2000 years.
Needless to say, 2000 years ago, our concept of biology was in its earliest stages. The ancients had yet to invent technologies, like microscopes, that would enable them to study diseases. But, they understood that something vital must exist beneath the surface. In other words, they knew that there were forces that could make you sick and practices that could promote healing.
If any one of these pathways became blocked, then the ancients believed that you would become sick. At its outset, acupuncture sought to restore the flow of Qi by using needles to redirect and open up energy flow. However, now scientists believe that acupuncture works by harnessing the chemical energy stored in our nervous system.
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It Changes The Chemistry Of The Brain
Acupuncture treatment works by making modifications to the brain’s chemistry. The treatment helps change the brain by altering the release of the neurotransmitters that work to stimulate or dampen nerve impulses or by releasing the neurohormones that work to improve the functioning of the body. According to Spine Universe, these natural chemicals may either change the pain experience or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s own internal regulating system.
Repeat Sessions Required For Best Results
Acupuncture doesnt work on a single-use basis like injections or some medications. The best way to get the most out of acupuncture is to schedule regular sessions. This may not be an issue for people who have the time or the money to visit an acupuncturist, but it can be a limiting factor for others who dont have that kind of access.
The benefits also dont stay for long. Because the body can heal itself, the changes made by the needles need to be reapplied for results to stick. Further complicating this is that the benefits of long-term acupuncture have not been fully studied yet, so theres the possibility that there are other side effects that may arise from long-term use.
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Acupuncture Has Been Shown To Reduce Lower Back Pain In An Effective And Safe Pregnancy Pain Relief
Acupuncture is a Chinese traditional medicine technique that involves the insertion of tiny needles into specific areas on the body known as acupoints.
According to a pooled data analysis of existing research, acupuncture may significantly alleviate lower back and pelvic pain common among pregnant women.
The researchers note that there were no significant side effects observed in newborns who received acupuncture therapy during pregnancy.
According to the researchers, acupuncture is emerging as a feasible therapy for a range of ailments because it does not require the use of medications and is considered safe.
It’s unclear what exactly it may help alleviate pain, but it’s believed to involve the release of the body’s innate’happy’ chemicals, as well as increases in blood flow to local skin and muscle.
However, whether or not it may alleviate the painful low back and pelvic pain experienced by up to 90% of women during their pregnancy remains a hotly debated topic.
The researchers scouring internet databases for relevant clinical trials that examined the pain relief provided by pregnant women receiving acupuncture alone or in combination with other therapies, with other/no/dummy therapies, and their newborns.
The final analysis consisted of ten random controlled trials, comprising ten40 women, that were conducted in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Brazil.
acupuncture had no noticeable adverse effects on newborns, according to the authors.
