Back pain is extremely common and is often linked to muscular tension, strains, posture or problems affecting the spine. However, not every backache should simply be put down to a pulled muscle.
Knowing when back pain needs professional assessment is important. Persistent, unusual or worsening pain can sometimes indicate an underlying problem that needs attention.
Early assessment can help you understand what may be causing your symptoms and what type of treatment is appropriate.
Occasional mild back pain may improve with time, gentle movement and appropriate self-care. However, it is worth seeking professional advice if your pain:
You should seek urgent medical attention if back pain occurs alongside symptoms such as significant weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other sudden neurological changes.
These symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious problem and should not be treated simply as muscular pain.
Although back pain is commonly musculoskeletal, the location of pain does not always tell you exactly where the problem originates.
For example, pain in the back or side can sometimes occur with kidney stones or other problems affecting the urinary system. Other internal conditions can also cause pain that is felt in the back or around the abdomen.
This is one reason professional assessment matters, particularly when pain is unexplained, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.
It is easy to overlook a minor ache when you are busy, but recurring or unusual symptoms are worth paying attention to. Your body can sometimes give you early indications that something needs further investigation.
Once an appropriate diagnosis or assessment has been made, acupuncture may be considered as part of a broader approach to managing some types of back pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes an individualised approach to treatment. An acupuncturist will consider your symptoms and overall circumstances before deciding whether acupuncture or other external TCM therapies may be appropriate.
Acupuncture should not be used as a substitute for medical assessment when the cause of pain is uncertain. If your symptoms suggest an underlying medical problem, appropriate healthcare should come first.
For people with musculoskeletal back pain, acupuncture may form part of an integrated approach alongside other recommended treatments and lifestyle measures.
You do not need to be alarmed by every episode of back pain. Most back pain is not caused by a serious condition. However, it is sensible to pay attention to changes in your symptoms.
A pain that repeatedly returns, gradually becomes worse or starts alongside other unexplained symptoms deserves more attention than an occasional mild ache.
If you are considering acupuncture for back pain, make sure the underlying cause has been appropriately assessed first. A qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner can then discuss whether acupuncture or another TCM therapy may be suitable as part of your care.
