It is estimated that up to 90% of people in the United States will suffer from back pain at some point throughout their lifetime. This condition’s leading cause is back strain, which is due to overstretching or slight tearing of the muscles that support the lower back.
Although over-the-counter pain-relief medicine and proper rest of the area can help alleviate the pain, doctors may also recommend methods like dry needling or acupuncture. Let’s talk about how these two techniques can help treat low back pain and where you can go to receive treatment.
Treating Low Back Pain with Acupuncture and Dry Needling
The strain of low back pain is often caused by poor posture while standing, while sitting and working at a computer all day, or while lifting and moving heavy objects. Rest and medication can generally address acute pain on a short-term basis, but low back pain can become chronic.
As part of your treatment plan, your healthcare provider may recommend minimally invasive techniques that stimulate the nervous system, such as dry needling and acupuncture. While some people use these terms interchangeably, the only real similarity between them is the use of hair-thin filament needles for therapy.
Acupuncture
In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a nonsurgical treatment that balances the natural “flow of energy” by inserting very thin needles into strategic points around the body. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, but it is also useful in helping to reduce feelings of stress.
When it comes to low back pain, acupuncture is believed to decrease pain intensity because it stimulates the nervous system and muscles. The treatment can also result in less tension, a feeling of relaxation, and improved sleep.
Dry Needling
Dry needling, also referred to as myofascial trigger-point dry needling, is based on how Western medicine evaluates and treats pain and function issues. The hair-thin needles are inserted into trigger points in order to relieve muscle pain and improve your range of movement. It is called “dry” needling because the needles do not involve the use of medication as most medical-based needles do.
During the dry needling treatment, a therapist inserts the needle into the trigger point, which is a painful knot of muscle. The knot can be felt by pressing your finger on the spot – it feels sensitive to the touch.
The needle is then gently manipulated to create a twitch response, which releases the tension in the affected tissue. When this is performed in the low back muscles, it decreases strain and improves circulation.
Low Back Pain Treatment in Greater Austin, Texas
Many patients have reported positive responses to acupuncture and dry needling as part of their treatment plan for low back pain. You may consult your doctor and physical therapist about whether this treatment may help with your condition.
Our healthcare providers at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness are trained and equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you address your pain. We offer many different noninvasive and minimally invasive therapeutic techniques, and a combination of treatments is often most effective in achieving long-term pain relief.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists, contact our friendly staff today by calling (512) 284-7192 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you enjoy a pain-free life once again!
