You are here
- Home
- »
- Spine Conditions
- »
- Back Pain Treatment
- »
- Back Pain Treatment
- »
- Back Pain Acupuncture
Back Pain Acupuncture

Acupuncture for back pain is an ancient practice that originated more than 4,000 years ago in China. The procedure involves inserting thin needles into strategic parts of the body, known as trigger points, which is said to release endorphins and opioids (our body’s natural painkillers).
Traditional practitioners of back pain acupuncture believe this procedure can be used to balance the flow of energy (Qi or chi) in the body and effectively treat various medical issues including back pain, tennis elbow, and headaches. Other practitioners view the trigger points as areas to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue to increase blood flow and promote healing.
The spine consists of ligaments, muscles, tendons, vertebrae, and gel-like discs. Linked together, these parts absorb the stress exerted on the body from daily repeated movements like walking, bending, and twisting. As we age, however, our bone strength and muscle elasticity decrease. The vertebrae’s protective discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility, decreasing their ability to act as shock absorbers. Over time, our back becomes susceptible to injury or disease like spondylosis.
Back pain acupuncture can be beneficial in reducing acute back pain or chronic back pain. It may also improve your mobility and flexibility. During the acupuncture procedure, patients usually have between 5-20 very thin needles inserted along meridians (the channels through which qi flows) in the body, which is believed to balance the flow of energy. Needles are inserted at various depths and can remain in place for 15 to 30 minutes.
If you’re experiencing upper back pain, mid back pain, lower back pain, or radiculapathy (traveling pain), consult with your doctor. He or she can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend a back pain management or treatment plan. Some patients, however, wish to try alternative treatments, and when this is the case, they might explore the possibility of back pain acupuncture or chiropractic medicine.
Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days
While studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for pain, there are times when some patients need more. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) is here to help you find relief from back and neck pain. Our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures provide patients with quick recovery times, low risk, and high success rates. For a free CT scan or MRI review, and to learn more information about our institute, contact us today.
Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.




