Acupuncture for back pain is a well-known method of easing back problems. Back pain can affect anyone at any age. Most people will suffer from it at some point in their lives. It is the UK’s leading cause of disability and one of the main reasons for work-related sickness absence.
Also, the majority of patients suffer from problems affecting the lower back and currently costs the NHS and community care services more than £1 billion each year. The disease is not usually the cause of back pain. Sprains, muscle strains, minor injuries or pinched or irritated nerves are common.
Acupuncture for Back Pain
Acupuncture back pain treatment appears to be particularly useful as an adjunct to conventional care. For those with more severe symptoms and for those wishing to avoid analgesic drugs. Moreover, its benefits work alongside western medicine. It’s compatible with Chiropractic, Osteopathy and rehabilitation exercises.
Top Tips for Preventing Back Pain
Acupuncture back pain treatment is effective although it is better to avoid back pain in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid back pain in the first place;
- Listen to your back – pain is a warning sign. Your body is telling you that you have already or are about to cause damage. If what you are doing hurts then try not to push through the pain.
- Exercise your back regularly. Walking, swimming (especially backstroke), Pilates and Tai Qi.
- Warm up. You should always warm up your body before any form of activity. Whether its sports, gardening or doing DIY. This prepares the body for injuries.
- Cooldown. Cooling down and stretching after exercise or physical activity is just as important as a warm-up.
- Lift correctly. Always bend your knees and hips not your back. Lifting things away from your body is also likely to cause damage and avoid twisting.
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- Get the right furniture. Choose a chair that is supportive, allows you to sit correctly with your feet on the ground.
- Sleep properly. Sleep in a comfortable position. On your side in the “foetus” position is usually the least stressful on your back.
- Sleeping on your front also puts the most stress on your back and neck and can lead to trouble.
- Using a pillow of the right height which supports the neck is also important. Choose a mattress suited to your height, weight, and age.
- Keep moving. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. This can cause a load on the discs and weakness of the muscles. Get up and move regularly. Body movement is normal. However, slouching in front of the TV or driving is not.
- Acupuncture treats smoking. Smoking reduces the blood supply to the discs between the vertebrae. This leads to disc degeneration.
- Lose any excess weight to avoid putting extra pressure on your joints.
- Try to carry larger loads in a rucksack, and avoid sling bags.
- Also, if you do have back pain, do consider acupuncture back pain treatment.
Finally, for more information on acupuncture back pain, please give me a call. Alternatively, please leave a message via the Contact page.