Acupuncture can be useful both in cases of acute low back strain and in cases of chronic back pain. For acute cases, acupuncture can have a quick effect, sometimes helping someone unable to move to resume normal activity. It is best to come in for acupuncture soon after an injury occurs.  In chronic cases, acupuncture is more helpful when a series of treatments is undertaken, and if there is weakness in the kidney or other organs that relates to the pain, the use of herbal medications can be quite helpful.

    Here are a few non-acupuncture tips that can be helpful for people with low back pain. 

    1) Notice if you are more likely to injure your back when you have overworked or are tired. Take good care of your energies such that you avoid strenuous activities when fatigued. Since the low back can be related to the reproductive system make sure you avoid sexual overindulgence.

    2) Try heat and cold treatments like ice and hot baths. Try alternating these treatments to increase circulation.

    3) Learn proper body mechanics. For example, if you do heavy lifting make sure that you bend from the knees and keep your back straight rather than bending over and recruiting more of the low back muscles.

    If you would like to learn more about low back pain relief without drugs visit http://www.santarosa-acupuncture.com or call Kat Delse, L.Ac. at (707) 775-8311.