How Acupuncture Can Relieve Back and Neck Pain

Millions of people suffer from back and neck pain, with symptoms that take a toll on everyday activities such as walking, lifting, working, and even sleeping. 

Treatments like medication and physical therapy can help relieve some types of pain, but they often don’t address the issues that trigger pain in the first place. That’s where acupuncture comes in.

Acupuncture focuses on the circulatory and nerve issues that underlie many spine-related issues, including chronic back and neck pain.

In this post, Dr. Jing F. Li and Dr. Po Chen explain how acupuncture therapy helps patients at Integrative Medical Center in Irvine, California, find long-lasting, meaningful relief from nagging neck and back discomfort.

The complicated reality of back and neck pain

Your spine comprises bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and other components that must work together to support your body weight and facilitate a wide range of motion.

Injury or dysfunction affecting any of these components can result in a surprising amount of pain that won’t go away with simple activity modification.

Falls, car accidents, and other traumatic injuries certainly cause back and neck pain. Still, many people develop symptoms from everyday activities, like heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or maintaining poor posture that puts excess strain on the spine and the tissues that support it.

Because back and neck pain can involve many variables, finding treatment that works can be challenging, particularly if a plan relies solely on medical options that aim to relieve symptoms without addressing the underlying cause. That’s when acupuncture therapy can help.

The unique benefits of acupuncture

Acupuncture has been relieving pain for thousands of years, but only recently has science begun to recognize its unique pain-management properties for both acute and chronic pain, including chronic neck and back pain. 

Researchers continue to study the exact mechanisms behind acupuncture’s effects, but they believe acupuncture works by releasing natural endorphins, chemicals that help relieve pain and promote relaxation and well-being. 

At the same time, optimal needle placement works directly on calcium-channel blockers to help blunt or block pain signals.

In addition to endorphins, acupuncture releases natural corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce pain and promote healing. Increased circulation at the source of pain also helps repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.

Our team uses acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to pain management, tailoring care to whole-health needs rather than focusing solely on symptom relief. 

Used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as integrative massage therapy and anti-inflammation detoxification protocols, acupuncture offers a custom approach to pain management that’s easily adapted to your specific and evolving needs. 

Find relief for your nagging pain

Acupuncture works with your body’s “natural science” to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, offering real relief for both acute and chronic back and neck pain without the side effects or risks of medication or surgery. 

To learn how acupuncture can help you stay healthy, comfortable, and active, call Integrative Medical Center today or request an appointment online.