Low back pain (LBP) is a common ailment that can be debilitating, often making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. While many turn to painkillers or even surgery for relief, these options usually provide temporary fixes and come with unwanted side effects. In this article, we’ll explore two of the best therapies to relieve low back pain that go beyond masking the symptoms and work to address its root causes: acupuncture and frequency specific microcurrent. Let’s dive in!

UNDERSTANDING LOW BACK PAIN

The lumbar region, or lower back, starts right below your ribcage and consists of just five vertebrae. Despite their small number, these vertebrae are essential for supporting the weight of your upper body and connecting your spine to your pelvis. 

Because your lower back is responsible for so much movement and support, it often takes the brunt of wear, tear, and stress. Whether you’re bending, lifting, or even just sitting, your lower back is constantly engaged, making it more prone to injuries and discomfort.

Low back pain can show up in different forms: it might be a brief annoyance (acute), hang around a bit longer (sub-acute), or become a long-term problem (chronic). If it sticks around for more than 12 weeks, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons classifies it as chronic.

Low back pain can manifest in various ways, depending on the underlying cause and severity. Here are some of the common symptoms you might experience:

• Dull, aching pain
• Sharp, stabbing pain
• Stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle spasms
• Pain radiating down the legs
• Worsening pain with activity
• Numbness or weakness

COMMON CAUSES OF LOW BACK PAIN

Low back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from everyday activities to more serious conditions. Here are some common causes:

• Muscle strain: Overdoing it at the gym, lifting something heavy, or even twisting the wrong way can strain the muscles and ligaments in your lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Herniated or slipped discs: The discs in your spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. If one of these discs slips out of place or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain.
• Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis can affect the lower back, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced flexibility.
• Poor posture: Slouching at your desk or hunching over your phone can put extra stress on your lower back, leading to discomfort over time.
• Sciatica: When the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in your body running from your lower back to your feet) gets compressed, usually by a herniated disc, it can cause sharp pain that radiates from the lower back down through the legs.
• Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain, especially when walking or standing.
• Injuries or trauma: Accidents, falls, or direct blows to the lower back can cause injuries ranging from minor muscle strains to more serious issues like fractures.
• Skeletal irregularities: Conditions like scoliosis, where the spine curves abnormally, can lead to uneven stress on the lower back, causing pain.
• Infections and tumors: Although less common, infections or tumors in the spine can cause severe and persistent low back pain.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR LOW BACK PAIN

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. Here’s how it can help with low back pain:

Pain relief through endorphin release

Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals help reduce pain perception and promote a sense of well-being. Studies, including one published in ScienceDirect in 2003, have shown that acupuncture can significantly decrease the intensity of chronic low back pain.

Reducing inflammation

By promoting blood circulation and reducing muscle tension, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation in the affected area. A 2017 study published in Sage Journals found that acupuncture could reduce inflammation markers in patients with chronic pain conditions, including low back pain.

Improving muscle stiffness and mobility

A 2021 study involving patients with chronic low back pain who received acupuncture reported better mobility and less stiffness. Acupuncture helps relax tight muscles and improves mobility by reducing muscle stiffness. This is especially beneficial for those whose low back pain is related to muscle strain or tension. 

Enhancing overall well-being

Acupuncture doesn’t just target pain but also helps improve sleep, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being. This holistic approach is particularly useful for chronic pain sufferers, as managing stress and improving sleep can lead to better pain outcomes.

Long-term benefits

While some pain relief methods offer only short-term benefits, acupuncture has been shown to provide long-lasting relief for chronic low back pain. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded that acupuncture is more effective than no treatment or sham treatments for chronic low back pain, with benefits lasting up to a year after treatment.

FREQUENCY SPECIFIC MICROCURRENT FOR LOW BACK PAIN

Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is an innovative therapy that uses low-level electrical currents, tuned to specific frequencies, to target pain and promote healing at a cellular level. Here’s how FSM works: 

Easing inflammation

The microcurrents used in FSM are believed to reduce inflammatory processes in the tissues that contribute to pain and stiffness. A 2020 study published in ScienceDirect found that FSM significantly reduced inflammation in patients with low back pain, leading to pain relief and improved function.

Enhancing tissue repair

FSM works by boosting the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy source for cells. With more ATP available, cells can repair and regenerate damaged tissues more effectively, speeding up the healing process in the lower back.

Modulating nerve activity

By applying precise frequencies, FSM can modulate the activity of nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This modulation helps to “dial down” the pain response, providing immediate and noticeable relief for low back pain sufferers.

Improving circulation and reducing muscle tension

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that FSM can also help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area. This can ease muscle spasms and reduce the tension that often contributes to low back pain. The improved circulation also helps with the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products, further aiding in recovery.

Customizing treatment 

Just like acupuncture, one of the biggest advantages of FSM is its ability to be customized to your specific needs. Practitioners can tweak the frequencies and intensities to match the exact cause and severity of your low back pain, giving you a treatment plan that’s as unique as you are.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you’re searching for the best therapies to relieve low back pain, acupuncture and Frequency Specific Microcurrent are top options. These treatments target the root causes of your discomfort, whether it’s muscle strain, a herniated disc, or chronic inflammation. With sessions tailored to your specific needs, both acupuncture and FSM offer a personalized approach to pain relief and lasting recovery. Book your consultation today and discover how these therapies can help you feel your best.