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Back Pain

930 Logan Street #101 & 102
Denver, Co 80203
720.284.1374

Licensed Acupuncturist and Practitioner of Chinese Medicine

John S. Aguilar Jr., L.Ac.

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  Home : Acupuncture For... : Back pain

Back pain has many potential causes, but is, generally, of two types, according to Chinese medical theory. Back pain that:

        a. gets worse through the day or with use,
        b. comes on gradually,
        c. tends to be of low to moderate intensity, and
        d. may be accompanied with a feeling of weakness or instability,

is usually due to a weakness or deficiency of the Kidney system.

In the Chinese medical paradigm, the systems of the body are labeled according to the anatomical organ associated with that system; however, the system is much more comprehensive, incorporating various physiological processes, mental and emotional states, and cognitive functioning.

The Kidney system, among other things, is the root of the body's basic energy and resources. Over time, we consume these resources. The better we eat, and the healthier our lifestyles, the slower we consume the foundational resources stored in the Kidney system. When this system reaches an acute state of deficiency, say after an intense period of high use, or moderate use over decades, general signs of Kidney deficiency show up. One of the hallmark signs of such weakness is low back pain.

For this type of low back pain, treatment consists primarily of nourishing and strengthening the Kidney system, in general, and the low back specifically. Alleviation of symptoms should occur within a few treatments, with greater and longer lasting relief coming with up to two or three months of treatment (depending, of course, on overall health, lifestyle, etc.).

Of equal importance in the treatment of this deficient type of low back pain is lifestyle changes. This type of pain only arises when one's basic resources are very low. In order for this pain to stop completely, depletion of resources must slow considerably. For those in occupations requiring heavy lifting, or long or unusual hours, some hard choices may have to be made. Treatment will help slow the consumption of resources, as will improved diet, sleep, regulation of sexual activities, meditation, etc., but the root cause is over use.

If this type of back pain goes untreated, or improperly treated (for example, relying on pain killers, of any sort, herbal, over-the-counter, etc.) the Kidney system may continue to weaken leading to a more severe deficiency. As the Kidney system represents the root of all energies and substances of the body, when it becomes severly depleted organic disease can easily manifest.

Self-treatment consists almost solely of reducing exertion, physical and emotional, allowing the body to naturally recuperate and regenerate its reserves. For lasting effect, such reduction should last for six at least months, if not permanently. In addition, it is important to pay close attention to the foundations of health discussed at length on this website. This type of pain needs to be taken as strong incentive to slow down and live healthier.

The other major type of low back pain is worse in the mornings or after remaining stationary for periods of time. It may be severe in intensity, sharp in nature, and have come on suddenly, perhaps following trauma or an accident. This type of back pain may constitute a medical emergency, consider seeking immediate care.

Where an emergency has been ruled out, Chinese medicine may offer quick, side-effect free relief. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The longer this type of pain persists the more difficult it may be to treat and the longer it will take for lasting results.

Chinese medical treatment would likely consist of acupuncture treatment at the low back, and possibly other distal locations, accompanied with internal medicine (Chinese herbal medicine), and topical treatment with liniments.(For disucssion on these modalities, please click here.) Relief will likely occur within two treatments, with lasting relief occurring after six treatments (depending on severity of the condition and overall health). 

For more on what Chinese medicine can treat, please click here.        

All contents Copyright
John Aguilar, Jr. 2008