You’ve felt it; that severe or even aching pain in your lower back right after you played your favorite sport, or when you have moved suddenly or the most common scenario – lifting a heavy object. More than likely you have noticed one or all of the following when you have hurt your back:
• Difficulty moving – the pain can be severe enough to prevent walking or standing
• Pain that does not radiate down the leg or pain that also moves around to the groin, buttock or upper thigh, but rarely travels below the knee;
• Pain that tends to be achy and dull
• Muscle spasms, which can be severe
• Local soreness upon touch
No matter how you hurt your back or the type of back pain you are experiencing; sciatica, back muscle strain, a lumbar herniated disc, or even degenerative disc disease, back pain is NO FUN!
Here are some facts about back pain that you may not be aware of…
FACT: Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention.
FACT: 80% of the world’s population will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.
FACT: Lower back pain is the most common type of pain for back pain sufferers.
FACT: Walking upright puts pressure on the spine and the spine’s supporting muscles.
FACT: Time, disease, accidents, poor posture and overexertion can lead to back problems and pain both in the short term and chronically.
FACT: Acupuncture is an effective tool for treating chronic lumbar back pain.
Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and has been used to treat various types of ailments an illnesses.
Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles at certain points on the body. According to acupuncture practitioners, there are more than 2,000 of these points on the body. These points are connected by pathways or meridians, which create a flow of energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”). It is believed that stimulating these points on the body will correct the imbalance of qi and improve the flow of energy, resulting in pain relief and overall improved health.
It is also believed that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system and may trigger the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. The chemical release may change the sensation of pain and a person’s overall feeling of well-being.
Another way to conceptualize how acupuncture works on pain is to imagine that our body’s have pathways which energy travels through. We experience pain when these energy pathways become blocked. To unblock the pathway and to relieve the pain, thin needles are inserted into these pathways. The needles stimulate the blockages in an attempt to open up the pathways again. When stimulating these pathways, acupuncture may also release natural pain relieving opioids, send signals to the sympathetic nervous system and release neuro-chemicals and hormones needed to relieve pain.
When trying acupuncture for pain relief plan on a regimen of 3 times a week for several weeks before you experience a change. Your acupuncture practitioner will work with you to ensure you are receiving the right amount of treatment for the pain and injury you are experiencing.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective way for treating back pain and pain in general. If you are suffering with pain, you don’t have to. East West Healing Solutions specializes in pain relief. We can help you with your pain issues.
About Dr. Marie Perkins:
Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist.
Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993.
Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004.
Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.
“Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!, Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.”
Leave A Comment