Treating back pain with acupuncture

With more than 1.1 million people in the UK affected by back pain the recent announcement by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Research (NICE) recommending acupuncture has been welcomed by low back pain sufferers.

Back pain is the UK’s leading cause of disability and one of the main reasons for work-related sickness absence. The NICE guidelines mean that patients with persistent low back pain can now receive free acupuncture treatments on the NHS.

Most people will suffer from low back pain at some time in their lives. It can be caused by minor injuries such as muscle strains and sprains, pregnancy, infection, stress and poor sleep. NHS funded research shows that acupuncture is one of the safest and most cost-effective treatments for chronic low back pain. By inserting fine needles into different parts of the body, acupuncture may provide long term pain relief, reduce inflammation and improve muscle stiffness.

Sean Barkes acupuncturist and British Acupuncture Council member said: “Back pain is one of the most common complaints I see patients about. With traditional acupuncture we look at the root of the condition as well as the symptoms in order to try and promote longer term health and wellbeing. So it’s important to recognise that each patient is different and cases of back pain should be viewed in the context of the overall health of the individual”.

“Traditional acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 years and British Acupuncture Council members have for many years been successfully treating patients for back pain either in private practice or working within the NHS. The NICE guidelines are a rubber stamp of the positive work already being undertaken as well as an endorsement of the wealth of research evidence now available in this area”.

Doctor Mekala Mahalingam from the Branston and Heighington Family Practice regularly sees patients with recurring back pain. She said: “Historically as acupuncture has not readily been available on the NHS, we have referred patients to private clinics for acupuncture. It is very useful to have an alternative therapy to refer patients to when they do not respond to other treatments and those sufferers who have received acupuncture, have often improved. The NICE guidance will only improve treatment for patients and therefore the more schemes that are introduced in practices, the better for sufferers”.

It is essential for patients to choose an acupuncturist who is registered with a professional body. British Acupuncture Council members have extensive training in acupuncture and bio medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. They are bound by strict codes of ethics and safe practice.

To find a practitioner in your area call the British Acupuncture Council on 020 8735 0400 or visit www.acupuncture.org.uk.

Tags: Self improvement & wellbeing