BACK PAIN
Most back pain affects the lumbar and sacral regions of the back, i.e. lower back pain. This often refers through the hip or groin, and down one or both legs.
Sometimes, the problem is sciatica, where the pain may not appear to affect the lower back itself, but is experienced as pain in the leg or foot, possibly travelling as far as the toes, and giving rise to numbness or tingling as well.
Any part of the spinal area may have problems, however, and patients frequently complain of middle or upper back pain, or neck pain, which can radiate to the shoulders, arms and hands.
Why use acupuncture to help back pain?
Acupuncture uses exceptionally fine, flexible, sterile needles and is a very safe and gentle method of treatment, with results that are often much more powerful than people expect. Dwara’s patients often comment that their treatment was unexpectedly relaxing and brought more rapid relief from pain than they anticipated.
Acupuncture has long been acknowledged as a treatment for back pain. Dwara has considerable experience of treating both acute (recent onset) and chronic (long-term) cases of back pain, since commencing in full-time practice in 1992. Her original training at the Northern College of Acupuncture included specific training in the different methods of treating these problems, including acupuncture needling, moxibustion, cupping and electro-acupuncture as appropriate.
In 2000, Dwara furthered her studies and clinical experience at the Beijing International Acupuncture Training Centre in China, where she observed and treated many patients who were attending the hospital acupuncture department for musculo-skeletal problems. She continues to keep up to date with new developments in this area.
Does acupuncture work?
Evidence seems to indicate that the results of treatment last well and that patients report even less pain after two years than after twelve months, contrary to the expectation that the effects of treatment commonly wear off.
The effectiveness of acupuncture has been acknowledged by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence although it is likely to be some time before the NICE guidelines can be fully implemented.
Where do you put the needles?
In most cases, needles are put near the main area of pain on your back or neck. A few needles are likely to be placed along the leg or arm where the pain radiates, and Dwara usually chooses a few additional points specific to your needs; for example, if your muscles are particularly tense, she will choose points that help to relax the muscle; if the pain is draining you and making you feel weak, she will use points to boost your energy. Dwara may also recommend gentle stretching exercises, or make recommendations to help you sit or lie more comfortably.
How many treatments will I need?
Each patient is different and response to acupuncture varies with each individual, and with the severity and duration of your condition. With a back problem that has started very recently, you may see an improvement after one treatment. With long-term back pain, it may take four or five treatments for acupuncture to make an impact on the problem. Where there is an ongoing structural problem which cannot be resolved, you may benefit from monthly or six-weekly treatment on an ongoing basis, to reduce the pain and improve your quality of life. But most people’s back pain responds well to acupuncture after six to twelve treatments.
Your acupuncturist
Dwara Young MSc DipAc MBAcC.
Dwara is an experienced, professionally trained acupuncturist and a member of the British Acupuncture Council. She has been in practice since 1992.
If you would like to have a chat with her before making an appointment, do phone the practice nearest you and ask Dwara to get in touch with you, or email dwara@acupuncture-bristol.co.uk, putting "Enquiry from website" as your subject heading.
Clifton Physiotherapy
111 Pembroke Road
Clifton
Bristol BS8 3EU
0117 970 6390
Link
on Google Maps
The Chiron Centre
130 Westbury Road
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol BS9 3AL
0117 962 0008
Link
on Google Maps
Trinity Osteopathic Practice
42 Bell Street
Shaftesbury
Dorset SP7 8AE
01747 851 726
Link on Google Maps