Low back pain usually responds well to Acupuncture. Several research studies confirm this, including some that show Acupuncture to be more effective than the conventional approach. Interestingly, studies tend to show that very light needling (sometimes not even penetrating the skin) can be as effective as deeper style needling.

Louise and Toby are very experienced in treating low back pain and find that an individualised program of acupuncture has the best results for this condition. What benefits one person with low back pain may be quite different from what works for another.

What happens in a treatment?

Louise and Toby use various styles of Acupuncture to reduce the pain and get you back to your normal life as quickly as possible. Gentle techniques are available for those who are sensitive to needles. Often the needles are warmed with moxibustion (a warming herb) to really unravel the knots in the underlying tissues. Most people find the treatments extremely relaxing – the feeling is similar to having a good massage. The points selected and Acupuncture techniques depend on your constitution (the pattern you best fit based on your symptoms and on information gathered from carefully palpating the body and on examination of your pulse and tongue). It’s important to work on the whole-body imbalance underlying the problem, as well as the symptoms.

How long will it take to work?

Recent-onset back pain responds more quickly than pain that has been present for months or years. We generally see a response within 4-6 treatments, with further treatments consolidating this. The best frequency of treatment is weekly (or sometimes twice-weekly for severe, acute back strain) for the first few, reducing to every 2 weeks and then every month as the condition improves. Once your back pain has resolved, we recommend a “tune-up” every 3 or 4 months, preferably at the change of seasons, to limit recurrences. Acupuncture treatments qualify for health-fund rebates.