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Acupuncture For Back Pain |
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Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine and
is widely understood as a non-traditional treatment option for back
pain. An increasing number of patients, physicians and other health
professionals are turning towards acupuncture treatment as a means to
reduce the back and neck pain.
The philosophy
behind acupuncture is that the body contains patterns of energy flow.
The vital energy of the body is referred to as 'qi' and its proper flow
is necessary to maintain good health. The acupuncture theory is that
there are over 2000 points in the human body that connect with 20
pathways or meridians which circulate qi throughout the body.
Working
of acupuncture
In an acupuncture treatment session, around 1 to
20 FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration approved) metallic needles
are inserted in to the body, just breaking the surface up to 1 or
several inches. Longer acupuncture needles are inserted in to the areas
of deeper muscles, under the skin or even scalp depending upon the
required depth and penetration. Acupuncture needles are then left in for
about 15 to 30 minutes. In some cases needles are warmed or electrically
charged after insertion. Electrical acupuncture can be used with needles
or non-penetrating probe. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin (about
20 times thinner than a typical hypodermic needle used for injections).
These
needles are solid and do not remove tissue as would occur with a
hypodermic needle. Some practitioners also use moxibustion and burn it
on needles during insertion. This is often used as a herb compound. This
acupuncture technique is beneficial in relieving low back pain and many
other conditions.
However
there are a few guidelines that should be kept in mind regarding
acupuncture:
Get an approval from a reputable source like health care practitioner-
Many physicians may refer their patients to a licensed acupuncture
practitioner as they know the benefits of this technique.
Carry out research about acupuncturer's background
and qualifications- It is important to know the qualifications and
background of your acupuncturer to gain authenticity and best of the
treatment.
Consider cost and benefits- It is good to inquire about success rate
of acupuncture and probability of achieving desired levels of pain
relief.
Acupuncture treatment is safe and very beneficial for back pain relief.
Normally an acupuncture program would include around 3 to 10 sessions,
each lasting for one hour. The cost of each session depends upon the
practitioner and local market conditions.
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