Back Pain and Alternative Solutions Like Acupuncture and
Chirprocatic
by: Deron Van
I started having back pains a few years ago. The kind that
shoot down your leg and make it difficult to walk. The doctors
first tried physical therapy and I tried some Chiropractors on
my own and nothing seemed to help. I would have occasional
relief, but it always seemed to come back. The next thing the
doctors did was send me for an MRI. This showed that I had a
herniated disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. Their first
solution was to inject cortisone into my spine and that's when I
started looking for alternatives. I had heard that many people
would get these injections that would cover up the pain for a
while but then later on they would end up injuring themselves
further.
One day, my back tensed up worse than before and I could not
stand straight up. Any of you who have had back pain will be
able to relate to this: I had to walk stooped over a little bit
and every time I extended my left leg it pinched the nerve and
made every step painful. I got pretty good at swinging my hips
and stepping out instead of stepping forward to minimize that
pain, but it was time to do something.
A friend of mine had had some acupuncture done before and I
decided to give it a try. I walked in, in pain, and walked out
standing straight up and walking normal. I was sold. If
acupuncture is done right, it is very relaxing and at times I
have almost fallen asleep during a session. Please note that
acupuncture is actually good for treating many types of aches
and pains, not just back pain.
Here is what you can expect from an acupuncture session: You can
typically get undressed to a level you are comfortable with. The
acupuncturist will then place needles in specific points on your
body depending upon your problem areas. These points may or may
not be anywhere near your pain. For example, during my sessions
for back pain, the acupuncturist has placed needles in my hands,
feet, legs and back. The needles they use are very small and
each one is individually sealed. Many people may tell you that
the needles don't hurt at all, and most of the time that is
true. Occasionally, a needle will find a hot spot and it can
feel like a fire. Just let the acupuncturist know if it is
beyond uncomfortable pain. Sometimes these hot spots will lead
to greater pain relief later on. During my first few sessions
for my back pain, my worst hot spot was my right hand; it hurt
about as bad as my back did earlier. However, I can walk upright
and deal with pain in my hand; not with it my back. I was able
to massage my hand and work out the pain so it was definitely
worth it. After the needles are in, the acupuncturist will leave
and let you relax for 20 to 30 minutes. Depending upon your
acupuncturist, they may apply herbs or heat the needles slightly
or give a slight twist to the needle. Then the needles come out.
You will have to fight the urge to tighten up when they are
pulling the needles out. It is better to relax as much as
possible and not think about it. Some acupuncturists may also
give a slight massage with the acupuncture.
So how am I doing now? Well, it has been over 5 years now, I
think, and I never had to have a cortisone shot and never even
thought about any kind of surgery. I still have occasional pain
and have actually found a Chiropractor that is also a licensed
acupuncture provider. He has a table that applies negative
pressure to the discs in the spine and helps alleviate any
associated pain. I still receive an occasional acupuncture
treatment from him as well. Please note that I do not like
"cracking" and my chiropractor has not "adjusted" my spine, only
stretched it. I think the key to a healthy back with a herniated
disc is to provide yourself with the ability to stretch out and
strengthen your back without pain. Acupuncture and specific
chiropractic treatments can be the way you accomplish this.
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