The Treatment of Back Pain
The Treatment of Back Pain When it comes to managing pain, Chinese medicine possesses many unique characteristics and modalities to provide quick results. At Tao to Wellness, we work with many patients who are in pain. The most common areas would certainly be the neck and the entire back. In Chinese medicine, it doesn’t matter where the pain is located, we can treat it by trusting the meridian system and Chinese philosophies and theories. We always start with acupuncture and depending on the particular situation, we may or may not incorporate Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion or herbal patches. We are committed and in active collaboration with you to achieve results quickly and gently. How does it work? In Chinese medicine, the sign of pain is merely a blockage or stagnation in an area of a meridian; picture a traffic jam on a freeway or highway. When a strain, sprain, injury, repetitive stress issue or any number of things occurs there is a blockage of Qi (Energy) and Blood. These two vital substances, which are necessary for circulation, cannot nourish the area so inflammation, weakness or pain will be experienced, it’s the body’s way of sending a signal to the brain asking for help. Acupuncture is the perfect treatment because it easily opens the blockage, allowing the smooth flow of Qi and Blood to heal the area and when the area is addressed, pain disappears. How many treatments do I need? This is dependent on the following: Length of time the pain has been an issue Severity of the pain Consistency of the pain Overall health lifestyle 80% of patient’s have relief after the very first treatment; from there it’s a matter of how long the patient ‘holds or sustains’ the treatment. Change is easy, sustaining it is more challenging. We are creatures of habit and so are our bodies, all of the factors above dictate how long it takes to unwind the pattern. Chinese medicine acts as an interruption of that pattern, consistently willing the body to return to balance and an optimal state. We have a saying in the office, “When the pain comes back, you come back!” We listen and allow the body to dictate the treatment plan. So essentially time in between treatments could be a day or a week. This depends on how deep the pattern is but also takes into account the patient’s lifestyle, this will certainly feed the healing process or take away from it. Pain can be debilitating, Chinese medicine provides an outlet to regain quality of life without surgery or medications. Research studies Research confirms that using acupuncture for low back pain is extremely effective. At Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Oakland, California, a research study was performed to test the efficacy of acupuncture for low back pain. 640 subjects ranging from ages 17-80 with low back pain for more than 3 months participated in the study. Exclusions to the study were: already having previous acupuncture or any blood clotting issues. Ten treatments were administered over seven weeks total with follow up phone call interviews at the 8, 26 and 52 weeks after the last acupuncture treatment. The study is complete and did, in fact, conclude that acupuncture was a valid form of treatment for low back pain. An even larger study was done in Germany with 1,162 patients. This was the largest investigation of acupuncture for the treatment of low back pain vs. conventional non surgical treatments. Modalities tested were acupuncture, prescription medication, exercise and physical therapy. Researcher, Heinz Endres said, “Acupuncture represents a highly promising and effective treatment option for chronic back pain. Patients experienced not only reduced pain intensity, but also reported improvements in the disability that often results from back pain and therefore quality of life”. For this study, acupuncture was administered in ten, 30 minute sessions conducted over six weeks. The results were astounding and although it is still considered an alternative treatment in the US, based on the findings of this study acupuncture is now covered by the country’s health insurance in Germany. Dr. Endres, a research scientist, says that acupuncture is clearly useful for treatment for low back pain, “Just because we cannot explain exactly the mechanism by which a treatment works, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work”.
10 Effective Home Remedies for Pain Management
10 Effective Home Remedies for Pain Management Living with pain, whether it’s from a chronic condition or just everyday aches and pains, can significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are numerous natural pain relievers and household remedies that can help you manage discomfort effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore ten effective home remedies for pain management, offering natural solutions that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. Ginger: The Spicy Healer Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce pain from conditions such as arthritis and muscle soreness. Incorporate ginger into your diet by adding fresh ginger to your tea, smoothies, or meals. You can also take ginger supplements for more concentrated effects. Turmeric: The Golden Spice Turmeric is another powerful natural pain reliever known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Use turmeric in cooking, take it as a supplement, or drink turmeric tea to reap its benefits. Epsom Salt Baths: Soothe Your Muscles Epsom salt baths are a classic household remedy for everyday pain relief. Epsom salt, which contains magnesium sulfate, can help relax muscles and reduce pain. Add two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes to experience relief from muscle aches and joint pain. Essential Oils: Aromatic Relief Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can be excellent natural pain relievers. These oils have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain. Apply diluted essential oils to the affected area, use them in a diffuser, or add a few drops to your bath for a soothing experience. Cold and Hot Compresses: Temperature Therapy Alternating between cold and hot compresses is a simple yet effective method for pain management. Cold compresses can reduce inflammation and numb the pain, while hot compresses can relax muscles and improve blood flow. Use a cold pack for acute injuries and switch to a hot compress after a few days to continue the healing process. Herbal Teas: Sip Your Way to Relief Herbal teas made from ingredients like chamomile, peppermint, and willow bark can provide natural pain relief. Chamomile tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while peppermint tea can soothe muscle spasms. Willow bark tea, often referred to as “nature’s aspirin,” contains salicin, which has pain-relieving properties similar to aspirin. Acupuncture: Ancient Technique, Modern Relief Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. This technique can be highly effective for pain management and everyday pain relief. Acupuncture can help alleviate pain from conditions such as migraines, arthritis, and lower back pain. Yoga and Stretching: Move to Relieve Regular yoga and stretching can help reduce pain and improve flexibility. These practices promote relaxation, increase blood flow, and strengthen muscles, which can all contribute to everyday pain relief. Incorporate gentle yoga poses and stretches into your daily routine to manage pain and prevent future discomfort. Apple Cider Vinegar: The Versatile Remedy Apple cider vinegar is a popular household remedy that can help with pain management. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce pain from conditions such as arthritis and muscle cramps. Drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water daily, or apply it topically to the affected area for relief. Massage Therapy: Hands-On Healing Massage therapy can be an effective natural pain reliever for muscle and joint pain. Massaging the affected area can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. You can use a professional massage therapist or try self-massage techniques at home using oils or lotions. How Tao to Wellness Can Help At Tao to Wellness, we specialize in natural and holistic approaches to pain management. Our experienced practitioners offer a range of services, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage therapy, tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or seeking every day pain relief, we can help.
