Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common problems I see at Modern Acupuncture. It may begin suddenly after lifting, twisting or exercising, or gradually develop after long periods of sitting, standing or repetitive activity.

Sometimes the cause of the pain is reasonably clear. At other times, the back simply becomes sore, stiff and difficult to move without one obvious injury.

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Lower back pain is not always just about the spine

When people think about lower back pain, they often focus on discs, joints and the bones of the spine. These structures can certainly be involved, but the muscles and connective tissues around the lower back, hips and pelvis may also contribute.

The lower back does not work in isolation. It relies on the abdominal muscles, spinal muscles, gluteal muscles and deep muscles around the hips to share the workload.

You could think of them as members of the same band. If one member stops doing their part ( it's always the bass player ;D), the others have to work harder to keep the show going. Over time, some muscles may become tight and overworked, while others may become inhibited or less effective.

This may contribute to pain, stiffness, fatigue and difficulty with movements such as:

• Bending forward

• Getting up from a chair

• Rolling over in bed

• Standing for long periods

• Walking

• Lifting

• Returning to sport or exercise

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Different types of lower back pain

Lower back pain can present in several different ways. It may feel like:

• A central ache across the lower back

• A band of pain across the sacrum or upper buttocks

• Pain predominantly on one side

• Sharp pain with a particular movement

• Tightness or stiffness after sitting

• Pain spreading into the buttock, hip or leg

• Muscular fatigue after standing or walking

Pain traveling into the leg does not automatically mean that a nerve is damaged. Muscles and other structures in the lower back and hip can also produce referred pain. However, symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness require appropriate assessment.

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How I assess lower back pain

At your first appointment, I will ask how the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and how it is affecting your movement and everyday activities.

The physical assessment may include looking at:

• Lower back and hip movement

• Movements that reproduce or relieve the pain

• Muscle tension and tenderness

• Strength and muscle function

• Possible nerve-related symptoms

• How the hips, pelvis and lower back are working together

This helps me decide whether acupuncture is suitable and which areas may be relevant to your treatment.

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Motor point acupuncture

Motor points are areas where the motor nerve supplying a muscle enters or communicates closely with that muscle.

Motor point acupuncture involves placing a fine acupuncture needle into a carefully selected location within the muscle. This may sometimes produce a brief muscular response.

I may use this approach when particular muscles appear tight, sensitive, overworked or poorly recruited. Rather than needling only where it hurts, I may also treat muscles in the lower back, abdomen, hips or buttocks that contribute to how the area is moving.

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Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture involves connecting selected acupuncture needles to a device that delivers a gentle electrical pulse.

I may use electroacupuncture as part of treatment for some presentations of lower back pain. I will adjust the intensity to a level that feels comfortable. The sensation may feel like a light tapping or pulsing. It's an unusual feeling but should not hurt.

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What does treatment involve?

I tailor treatment to each person rather than using the same group of acupuncture points for every lower back problem.

Depending on your presentation, treatment may include:

• Traditional acupuncture

• Motor point acupuncture

• Electroacupuncture

• Gentle soft-tissue techniques

• Cupping or gua sha, where appropriate

• Advice about movement, pacing and returning to activity

My aim is to help manage pain and stiffness while supporting more comfortable movement. Responses vary, and acupuncture cannot guarantee a particular result.

I will monitor how you respond and discuss whether continuing treatment is appropriate.

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When should lower back pain be medically assessed?

Acupuncture is not a substitute for urgent medical care. Please seek prompt medical assessment if your back pain is accompanied by:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control

• Numbness around the groin or saddle area

• Significant or worsening leg weakness

• Fever or feeling seriously unwell

• Unexplained weight loss

• A major fall or accident

• Severe pain that is constant or rapidly worsening

• A history of cancer, significant osteoporosis or recent infection

If I believe your condition is unsuitable for acupuncture or requires further investigation, I will recommend that you consult an appropriate healthcare practitioner.

 

Lower back pain acupuncture in Adelaide

Modern Acupuncture is located at 2 Frederick Street, Frewville, close to Adelaide’s eastern and inner southern suburbs.

I’m Luke Whelan, an AHPRA-registered acupuncturist with experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal pain presentations. Depending on your individual assessment, I may use traditional acupuncture, motor point acupuncture and electroacupuncture as part of your treatment.

If you would like to discuss whether acupuncture may be suitable for your lower back pain, contact me or book an initial consultation online.