FAQ
Q: Does Acupuncture hurt?
A: You'll either feel nothing at all, or a tiny prick. We can fit multiple of our needles inside of one that takes your blood. They're very thin and bendable.
Q: Why did you put that needle there?
A: Good question! There's a simple, short, and wonderful book to read for free about that here.
Q: How many treatments will it take?
A: Most people at least feel relaxed during their first appointment! Results will vary depending on the complexity of what we’re treating and how long it’s been there.
A common “dose” of acupuncture is 5 or 6 treatments over the course of 3-4 weeks to see if it's helping you.
Q: Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
A: Not at all. We're pretty sure that horses and dogs don't believe in it when they get acupuncture. They just stop limping if it works. Acupuncture on non-human animals has been happening for a long long time. And, we have patients all the time that start out skeptical.
Q: Can I combine acupuncture with massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, or other modalities?
A: Absolutely! Not only will acupuncture not conflict with what you're doing, other modalities combined with acupuncture may speed up your healing.
Q: Is it safe? What do you do with those needles after you use them?
A: We use sterile, one-time use needles made of surgical steel. They are safely disposed of after each use. Once in awhile we see a non-painful bruise after acupuncture. That's about it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture for Low Back Pain
Does acupuncture really help low back pain?
Yes, acupuncture has been shown in multiple studies to help reduce low back pain and improve daily function. Research published by the National Institutes of Health found that acupuncture provides significant short-term pain relief and improved mobility for people with chronic low back pain. Many patients choose acupuncture as a natural alternative or complement to medication-based treatment.
How many acupuncture treatments are needed for low back pain?
The number of treatments varies depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Many patients with low back pain begin with 1–2 visits per week for 6–12 sessions. Some people notice improvement after just a few visits, while chronic conditions may require ongoing care for lasting results.
Is acupuncture safe for treating low back pain?
Yes, acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as minor soreness or bruising at the needle site. Serious complications are rare..
How quickly does acupuncture work for back pain?
Some patients experience relief after the first session, but most notice gradual improvement over several treatments. Chronic low back pain typically improves over a series of visits rather than a single session.
Can acupuncture help chronic low back pain?
Yes, acupuncture is especially effective for chronic low back pain, which is pain lasting longer than 12 weeks. Research consistently shows that acupuncture can reduce pain intensity and improve mobility in chronic conditions.
What causes low back pain that acupuncture can treat?
Acupuncture can help relieve many common causes of low back pain, including:
Muscle strain
Poor posture
Repetitive stress injuries
Herniated or bulging discs
Sciatica
Arthritis-related back pain
Stress-related muscle tension
Treatment is customized to address each person's specific symptoms and condition.
Is acupuncture better than medication for back pain?
Acupuncture offers a drug-free way to manage pain and may reduce the need for medication in some patients. Many people choose acupuncture because it addresses the root causes of pain while avoiding medication-related side effects.
Can acupuncture help prevent future back pain?
Yes, regular acupuncture treatments may help reduce muscle tension, improve posture awareness, and support overall spinal health. Many patients continue maintenance treatments to help prevent flare-ups and maintain mobility.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
According to the World Health Organization, listed these diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved – through controlled trials—to be an effective treatment:
Chemotherapy side effects
Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
Depression
Dysmenorrhoea, primary
Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
Headache
Knee pain
Low back pain
Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting
Neck pain
Arthritis
Postoperative pain
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sciatica
Sprains
Post-Stroke recovery
Tennis elbow
Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is needed:
Abdominal pain (in acute gastroenteritis or due to gastrointestinal spasm)
Acne vulgaris
Bell’s palsy
Earache
Facial spasm
Fibromyalgia and fasciitis
Gouty arthritis
Insomnia
Ménière disease
Neuralgia, post-herpetic
Osteoarthritis pain
Premenstrual syndrome
Radicular and pseudoradicular pain syndrome
Raynaud syndrome, primary
Sjögren syndrome
Sore throat (including tonsillitis)
Spine pain, acute
Stiff neck
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
That's a pretty long list.
Do you see your issue on there?
If not, ask us!