According to research, an estimated 2.5 million people experience back pain daily in the UK, and it is a problem that becomes more prevalent each year.
During the pandemic, there has been a rise in the number of people suffering from back pain thought to be caused by reduced physical activity and increased time spent working from home.
As a result, many are looking to alternative therapies like acupuncture to help reduce the severity and frequency of their back pain.
How can acupuncture help back pain?
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that the human body has more than 2,000 points all connected by pathways through which Qi (chi) flows.
Pain occurs when these pathways are blocked because the body becomes imbalanced. Therefore, by stimulating these points with hair-thin acupuncture needles, it is believed that these blockages will be cleared and the flow of energy will be restored, relieving the back pain.
Acupuncture is also believed to stimulate the nervous system, releasing chemicals in the brain that allow both the mind and body to feel calmer and more relaxed – aiding with any aches and pains.
Different acupuncture points for back pain
The acupuncture points a practitioner uses will vary from patient to patient.
Each person is different, and the practitioner will take a tailored approach depending on the symptoms they are experiencing. However, there are several commonly targeted points for back pain, such as:
LI4: This point is located on the back of the hand and is frequently used to relieve pain anywhere in the body.
GB34: Found on the outside of the leg and is often targeted to relieve pain caused by sciatica and issues with the lower back, hip and lower limbs.
UB40: This point can be found in the crease behind the knee and is used to relieve pain and muscle spasms along the spine.
Celebrities using acupuncture for back pain
It is no secret that many celebrities regularly use acupuncture to maintain their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Among them, stars such as Julianne Moore have revealed their use of acupuncture to relieve persistent back pain and sleeping problems. She feels that acupuncture has helped her through grieving the loss of her mother and restoring her overall wellbeing.
Rene Russo is another famous name that has come out in favour of using acupuncture for back pain. She is one of many celebrities who suffer from scoliosis and the unwanted pain that accompanies the condition.
However, through regular acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, Russo has successfully managed the symptoms and improved her wellbeing in day-to-day life.
