Acupuncture is divided into two philosophies. The first being the Eastern idea which is a 5,000 year old Chinese system of natural healing (no drugs-no surgery) which is concerned with restoring proper energy flow to the various organs, glands and tissues of the body on the premise that most diseases are the result of malfunction due to disrupted energetics. The Western idea is the use of needles to stop pain by blocking nerve pathways, as well as, the release of your body’s own natural drugs-known as endorphins and enkephalins.

In both philosophies, acupuncture treatments are typically performed by needles inserted into the channels of energy which are called meridians, located throughout the body just underneath the skin surface. Needles are left in places typically for 10-20 minutes. Very commonly acupuncture can be used with fingertip pressure, electrical stimulation, and numerous other techniques which do not involve using a needle.

Recently, acupuncture has been in the news due to the National Institute of Health recognizing it as a proven alternative treatment. Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of numerous health conditions, most of which are related to pain management.

Typical ailments reported in literature include neuralgias, headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, tics, spasms, muscular rheumatism, neuralgia of the shoulders and arm, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, ulcers, stomach problems, diarrhea, hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, coughs, certain types of heart trouble, abnormal blood pressures, hemorrhoids, lumbago, bladder irritation, bed wetting, certain kidney problems, female disorders, impotence, glaucoma (sometimes), weak eyesight, hay fever, loss of smell, tonsillitis, loss of hearing, skin conditions, and even nervous and psychiatric factors based on the fact that mental problems often arise from physical disorders.

On the average, a very high percentage of patients will respond satisfactory to acupuncture treatment; however, some patients do not respond due to a variety of reasons. Advanced age, severity of condition, irreversible tissue damage, etc., are deterrents to recovery. However, in conjunction with chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture, the odds are very favorable for a good response.

Many severe attacks of back pain develop from something as insignificant as bending over a bathroom sink, reaching to pick up a small item, sneezing, or reaching into a low cabinet.  Usually, there has been a series of small accidents leading up to this cause for the back injury.  Heavy lifting, falls, or severe strain are early precipitation factors in many back injuries.  Most often, they have occurred previously and have been forgotten.  

Faulty spinal dynamics are often a cause of severe back pain.  Faulty spinal alignment, over a period of time, will cause gradual weakening of disc fibers and other ligaments.  In this weakened condition, all it takes is a simple movement, such as reaching into the cupboard, for an injury to occur.  

When such an incident occurs, the following measures should be taken:

1)  Lie down immediately in any position that is comfortable.
2)  Place a cold pack directly to the area of pain, cover with a towel, and keep the pack in place for 20-30       
      minutes.  (If you do not have a cold pack, you can place 6-10 ice cubes in a plastic bag.)    
      This will hurt at first, but after several minutes the area will be desensitized and you will feel better.  Do not 
       remove the pack until 20-30 minutes have elapsed.  Reapply the ice as instructed by your doctor.
3)  Call your chiropractic doctor and make arrangements to go to the office as soon as possible.  In some cases,
       it may be suggested that you remain at home in bed for a period of time.
4)  Do not sit in a recliner of any kind, as this will aggravate the condition.
5)  Maintain a positive outlook.  Under Chiropractic care, back injury conditions usually respond favorably.  
      However, it takes time, so be patient.  Let your doctor of Chiropractic determine what is best for your 
      condition.

One of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent a back injury is to routinely seek Chiropractic care, even when feeling good.  This is a great way to maintain good health and help correct minor misalignments before they can cause a severe injury!