Acupuncture for low back pain

A strong healthy back allows us to live our lives to the fullest but, unfortunately, too many of us have to give up what we love to do because of our low back pain. Acupuncture has helped many to start enjoying their activities again.
There are three major causes of low back pain in Chinese medicine. 
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Pathogenic wind, cold and dampness in the channels
Exposure to cold, wind and dampness result in back pain, muscle stiffness and limited range of motion. The pain might radiate to the buttocks and lower extremities, and it feels worse on cold rainy days and bed rest does not help the pain.
For this type of back pain acupuncture and moxibustion are usually applied to dispel cold-dampness, warm the channels and invigorate blood circulation. The treatment will also relax the muscles and will activate the channels.

Pathogenic wind, cold and dampness in the channels
Exposure to cold, wind and dampness result in back pain, muscle stiffness and limited range of motion. The pain might radiate to the buttocks and lower extremities, and it feels worse on cold rainy days and bed rest does not help the pain.
For this type of back pain acupuncture and moxibustion are usually applied to dispel cold-dampness, warm the channels and invigorate blood circulation. The treatment will also relax the muscles and will activate the channels.

Deficiency of Kidney Qi
This type of low back pain starts gradually but lasts long. It is mild and usually accompanied by weakness of the back. It is worse with stress and is alleviated by lying down. 
To treat this low back pain the Kidney essence needs to be tonified. Distal points on the upper body are usually selected for needling. 

Trauma
The lower back, resulting from an injury in the lumbar region, feels rigid and is worse on pressure and turning of the body.
For treatment distal points are usually selected. Sometimes it is necessary to prick a needling point to let a drop of blood come out to dispel rigidity.
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In general for low back pain needles stay inserted for about 30 minutes. It is usually recommended to have a treatment daily or every other day, until the pain subsides.