There are various causes of back pain, and acupuncture is one effective way to manage it. Below, we list the main diagnoses and approaches to treating back pain.
Major Causes and Diagnoses of Back Pain
Muscle and Ligament Injuries (Lumbar Sprain, Muscle Strain)
Caused by sudden movements, excessive exercise, or poor posture.
Herniated Disc (Lumbar Disc, Lumbar Disc Herniation)
A herniated disc compresses a nerve root, causing pain, numbness, and paralysis.
Spinal Stenosis (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis)
Narrowing of the space through which the nerves pass, resulting in pain, leg numbness, and intermittent claudication.
Spondylolisthesis (including spondylolysis)
A vertebra slips forward, compressing a nerve.
Degenerative Arthritis (Spondylosis, Spondyloarthrosis)
Chronic pain caused by degenerative changes in the spine and joints.
Nerve Root Lesions (Sciatica, etc.)
Pain radiating from the buttocks to the leg.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
An inflammatory disease of the spinal joints caused by immune system disorders.
Internal organ problems (kidney stones, uterine disease, etc.)
Internal organ problems, such as kidney and reproductive organ problems, can lead to back pain.
Application of Acupuncture
In Oriental medicine, back pain is classified as “lumbago (腰痛)” (lumbar pain). Acupuncture aims to relieve pain and provide fundamental control by stimulating meridians and acupuncture points.
Body Acupuncture
Examples of acupuncture points: Liaoyangguan (腰陽關, GV3), Daejangyu (大腸兪, BL25), Gihaeyu (氣海兪, BL24), Gwanwonyu (關元兪, BL26), Wijung (委中, BL40), etc.
Effects: Promotes blood circulation, relaxes muscles, and reduces inflammation.
Electroacupuncture (Electroacupuncture)
Microcurrents are applied to the needles to enhance stimulation (effective for disc herniation and chronic pain).
Moxibustion (Moxibustion)
Acupuncture points: Myeongmun (GV4) and Sinyu (BL23) are applied with heat stimulation.
Effects: Eliminates cold energy and relieves tension in the lower back muscles.
Saam Ohang Acupuncture (Saam Five Elements Acupuncture)
Specific techniques of Saam acupuncture (e.g., Kidney Strengthening Qigong) are applied to enhance kidney function.
Integrated Acupuncture Treatment
Cupping: Eliminates blood stagnation.
Chuna Therapy: Corrects spinal alignment.
Herbal Medicine: Strengthens kidney function or improves blood circulation.
Precautions
In cases of acute disc herniation or severe nerve compression, hospital examinations (such as MRIs) are required along with traditional Korean medicine treatment.
Pain may temporarily worsen after acupuncture, but most cases improve within 1-2 days. Since Oriental medicine treatment is tailored to each individual’s constitution and symptoms, a customized approach is required after consultation with a specialist, Krean Medical Acuuncture.