Does acupuncture help back pain?

For mild back pain, a warm mustard oil massage or hot fomentation at home is usually my first step. Acupuncture can be tried as a natural therapy, but if you have sharp shooting pain down your leg or numbness, please do not wait. Go see an orthopaedic doctor immediately.

At 53, my back makes more noise than my car. I tried acupuncture out of sheer desperation, and surprisingly, those tiny needles did give me some relief from the stiffness. It didn't make me 18 again, but at least I can bend down to pick up my keys now.

Please don't rely only on alternative therapies if your back pain is severe. I kept trying acupuncture and massage for what I thought was simple back pain, ignoring the warning signs, and ended up with a severely slipped disc that required major treatment. Get an MRI or see a specialist first.

With my 9-to-6 desk job, back pain is a constant issue. I tried acupuncture for a month and found it quite helpful for muscle tension. However, you must combine it with proper ergonomic seating and posture correction, otherwise the pain will just keep coming back.

I have chronic back pain along with high BP, so I have to be careful with intense pain medicines. Acupuncture was a good non-drug option that helped relax my back muscles. Just make sure to monitor your blood pressure regularly as pain relief can also help lower your BP.