Few of us will get through our lives without experiencing back pain at least once. And for some of us, back pain is a daily struggle that sabotages our ability to work, sleep, and simply get through the day. The good news is that several natural therapies for back pain can not only ease the aches, but stop the pain for good.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain is as unique as the people who experience it. It can be sharp or dull, localized or widespread, nagging or debilitating. Even how long it lasts can vary from person to person; while some people experience acute back pain for just a few days due to an injury, others deal with chronic pain that can last for months or even years.
So what causes back pain? There is no single cause of back pain – in fact, it can be caused by a wide variety of factors and lifestyle habits. Anything from poor posture and muscle strain to more severe issues like herniated discs or arthritis can be at the root of back pain. But so can other less obvious causes, like stress, diet, or sleeping position.
Thankfully, some of the most common culprits can be avoided to help reduce your pain. These include sitting for long periods, improper lifting techniques, stress, and physical overexertion.
Types of Back Pain
Back pain is generally categorized into three main types:
- Upper back pain
Often linked to muscle strain, poor posture, or even stress that leads to tension in the shoulders and neck. - Mid-back pain
Can be related to muscle strain, poor spinal alignment, or issues with the ribs. - Lower back pain
The most common type, which can be caused by strain, injury, disc problems, or poor posture.
How Does Oriental Medicine View Back Pain?
From the perspective of Oriental Medicine, back pain is seen as a disruption in the flow of energy (Qi) through the body’s meridians. The back is home to a few key meridian pathways, including the Urinary Bladder and Kidney meridians, which are closely tied to the health of the spine, muscles, and bones. When Qi becomes stagnant or blocked, pain and tension can result. Factors such as overwork, emotional stress, injury, or even internal imbalances can all contribute to the disruption of Qi, leading to back pain.
Dr. Ko sees it this way: “When our body’s balance is broken, pain occurs in the body. The same goes for back pain.
“Acupuncture is the only treatment that moves energy. It circulates energy and balances our body. When our body is in balance, pain disappears. And in Western medicine, painkillers and injections are used for pain. And if that doesn’t work, then surgery is required. Once you have surgery, you will not be able to use your back in the long run.”
In TCM, treating back pain goes beyond merely addressing symptoms. The goal is to restore the smooth flow of energy, balance the body, and enhance its natural healing mechanisms. Let’s explore five natural therapies rooted in both modern science and traditional practices to address back pain effectively.
5 Natural Therapies for Back Pain Relief
-
Acupuncture for Back Pain
Acupuncture is one of the most well-known natural therapies for back pain relief. While most therapies offer just temporary relief, acupuncture can actually stop pain from returning.
So, what is acupuncture? This ancient practice involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. How does it work? Research shows that acupuncture releases endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and improves blood circulation – two key benefits for pain relief and fast, holistic recovery.
Various styles of acupuncture may be used depending on the type of back pain:
- Traditional Acupuncture
This common style of acupuncture for back pain focuses on balancing Qi along the meridians and is particularly effective for generalized or chronic back pain. You may receive points directly in or around the area of pain to focus the treatment and stimulate healing in these tissues. - Distal Acupuncture
This method places needles in points away from the site of pain, often in the arms, legs, or head. This method is based on the idea that certain points in the body can influence pain and blockages in distant areas by working through the body’s meridian system. Distal acupuncture is particularly effective for acute back pain, or when back pain is severe or movement is limited because it allows for treatment without direct pressure on the painful area. - E-stim (electro-acupuncture)
E-stim is a more intense form of acupuncture that applies mild electrical pulses to the needles. It’s especially useful for more severe or localized pain, such as that caused by herniated discs or sciatica, as it enhances the stimulation of muscles and nerves more than a needle alone.
Acupuncture offers a holistic, non-invasive alternative to conventional treatments like painkillers or surgery, and it can be customized to address the root cause of the pain for long-lasting relief.
-
Cupping Therapy
Cupping has become popular among athletes and celebrities in recent years (you may have even seen the round purple or red spots they leave). But, cupping is actually an ancient practice, and an important part of Oriental Medicine. It has the ability to relieve pain by promoting better circulation, relieving muscle tension, and breaking up stagnation. During a cupping session, suction cups are placed on specific areas of the back to create a vacuum effect that helps improve blood flow and release tight muscles.
Cupping works by encouraging the body to clear out toxins and stagnant fluids that causes inflammation and discomfort. This increased circulation helps to nourish the tissues and muscles of the back, reducing pain and promoting relaxation. Many people find cupping especially helpful for muscular back pain, as it can reduce deep-seated knots and trigger points.
While cupping often leaves temporary marks, these indicate that stagnant blood and toxins are being moved out of the tissues, leading to faster healing. This therapy is excellent for people who suffer from upper and mid-back pain caused by tension and poor posture.
-
Tui Na (Oriental Medical Massage)
Sometimes the best remedy for a backache is a massage. Tui Na, a specialized type of “medical massage” involves a combination of acupressure, kneading, rolling, and stretching techniques to relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote Qi flow. Tui Na is particularly effective for back pain caused by muscle strain, stiffness, or chronic tension.
This therapeutic massage is designed to not only relieve physical pain but also to address the underlying energetic imbalances that may be contributing to discomfort. By stimulating specific acupoints and working along the meridians, Tui Na helps to restore balance and allow the body to heal itself naturally.
-
Herbal Applications
Acupuncture, cupping, and massage are all types of bodywork that stimulate the muscles and joints of the back directly. With topical herbal liniments, patches, and balms, you can enhance the effectiveness of these therapies even further. Herbal applications are a simple way to reduce inflammation, ease muscle pain, and support tissue healing throughout the day and in between other natural therapy treatments.
Here are some commonly recommended options:
- Herbal pain patches: These are adhesive patches infused with natural herbs that provide sustained relief by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation directly at the site of the pain.
- Herbal liniments: Liquid solutions (like Po Sum On, Zheng Gu Shui, or CBD cream) are applied to the skin to reduce pain and inflammation. They can be massaged into sore muscles for a deeper, more targeted treatment.
-
Heat Therapy or Cold Therapy
Have you ever noticed your back pain feels better with a heating pad or in summer? Or maybe a cold shower is the only thing that zaps your pain? Back pain can often be affected by temperature, and both heat and cold therapy are powerful, research-backed natural treatments for managing discomfort.
Heat therapy is particularly effective for chronic back pain or stiffness. Applying heat to sore muscles helps to improve circulation, relax tight muscles, and reduce stiffness. This can be done using heat pads, warm baths, or even moxibustion, a traditional therapy where dried mugwort is burned near acupuncture points to warm and stimulate Qi. Heat increases blood flow to the affected area, promoting faster healing and providing a soothing sense of relaxation. It’s a great option for those who struggle with chronic conditions or muscle tension and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
Cold therapy (or cryotherapy), on the other hand, is usually more beneficial for acute back pain, especially if you have inflammation or swelling. Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels and numbing the affected area, which helps reduce inflammation and prevent further tissue damage. Cold packs, ice baths, or cold compresses can be applied to the sore areas for short periods to reduce pain and discomfort. This therapy is ideal after an injury or flare-up of back pain, as it minimizes inflammation and promotes faster recovery.
So, which is best for you? Choosing between heat or cold therapy depends on the nature of your back pain—heat is best for chronic or tension-based pain (which tends to be most common). Cold therapy, however, can be helpful for acute pain or injuries.
Get Back to Living Pain-Free
Back pain is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to it. With these five natural therapies—acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na, herbal medicine, and heat/cold therapy—you can ease your symptoms and balance the root causes of your pain to find lasting relief.
Ready to get relief? Book your consultation with 120 Acupuncture Clinic in Studio City, Los Angeles or call us at 1-818-980-7979 to find out how Dr. Ko and his team can help.
