Acupuncture for lower back pain

What is chronic low back pain, lumbago or lower back pain?

We speak of chronic low back pain when pain in the lower back persists for more than three to six months or when it repeatedly comes back over time, affecting quality of life, sleep, work performance or the ability to exercise.

Many people live for years with constant discomfort, morning stiffness, or recurrent episodes of back pain that appear after physical effort, travelling or periods of stress.

Why does chronic low back pain occur?

From a Western medicine perspective, chronic low back pain can have many different causes:

• Muscle overload and myofascial pain.
• Herniated or bulging discs.
• Age-related degenerative changes.
• Lumbar osteoarthritis.
• Lumbar spinal stenosis.
• Sciatic nerve irritation.

However, the intensity of pain does not always correlate with imaging findings. It is common to find significant abnormalities on MRI scans in people without pain, while some patients experience severe pain despite having only minor findings on their examinations.

This is why, in chronic pain, it is essential to understand that factors such as inflammation, the nervous system, stress and persistent muscle tension also play an important role.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine understand chronic low back pain?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain occurs when there is a blockage in the circulation of energy and blood in the affected area.

A classical principle summarises this idea perfectly:

"Where there is no free flow, there is pain. When circulation is restored, pain decreases."

The goal of acupuncture treatment is therefore to improve circulation, reduce stagnation and stimulate the body's natural healing and regulatory mechanisms.

How can acupuncture help with chronic low back pain?

In clinical practice, acupuncture may help to:

✔️ Reduce pain intensity.

✔️ Decrease lower back stiffness.

✔️ Improve mobility and physical function.

✔️ Reduce pain radiating to the buttock or leg in cases of sciatica.

✔️ Promote muscle relaxation and recovery.

✔️ Reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Many patients also describe a general sense of wellbeing and physical lightness after treatment.

How many acupuncture sessions are needed for low back pain?

Many people notice changes after the very first session, often in the form of pain relief, muscle relaxation or improved mobility.

However, when treating chronic low back pain, we generally recommend a minimum of four sessions in order to properly assess the response to treatment and achieve more stable and lasting results.

The frequency and duration of treatment will depend on the underlying cause, how long symptoms have been present and each person's individual circumstances.

📅 You can book your first appointment here and start your journey towards living with less pain.

Acupuncture treats more than just the back

One of the most interesting aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that it views the human being as an integrated whole.

For this reason, alongside improvements in back pain, many patients also notice positive changes in:

• Sleep quality.
• Energy levels.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Physical recovery.
• Overall wellbeing.

Because the goal is not only to reduce back pain, but to help your body function better as a whole.

📅 You can book your first appointment here and start your journey towards living with less pain.