A 58 year old man came to our clinic after having low back spasms the previous weekend. He had been exercising when he felt his low back catch, resulting in pain and causing him to hunch over at an angle when he stood or walked. He was in a great deal of pain, taking ibuprofen throughout the day. This low back pain case study describes how he was back on his feet in just four treatments, feeling better than ever.
Low Back Spasms
Many people have low back spasms on a regular basis. Our patient reported that they occurred with him once every three or four months, like clockwork. They would typically take two weeks to clear up, requiring multiple visits to the chiropractor and lots of ibuprofen. Then a few months would go by with no problems, until the next spasm occurred. Sometimes it would come from lifting a couch the wrong way. Other times it seemed random, being triggered when he was brushing his teeth or just driving in the car.
We explained to him that acupuncture could not only heal his current back spasm, but could break the cycle of spasms in the future. By nourishing his back muscles and his kidneys (Chinese medicine concept) his back would be stronger and much less prone to this type of recurring injury. And that’s just what happened.
Low Back Pain Case Study
Our patient in this low back pain case study was in fairly good health. He exercised regularly, led an active life, ate well and got good sleep. He started getting back spasms as a teenager, when he was diagnosed with mild scoliosis and over-curvature of the lumbar spine. Physical therapy had helped address those early issues, but the spasms had continued over the years.
His pulse was wiry and tongue had rough edges. This indicated that he had liver qi stagnation, a common imbalance that resulted from life stress lodging in the body. In his case, daily stress found its way to his lower back, the place of old injury, what we call a weak link. Most people have an Achilles heel, a place injured long ago that acts up once in a while. Stress loves to lodge in these places.
Treatment Plan
Our patient’s treatment plan in this low back pain case study included acupuncture points in his low back and hip muscles (gluts), as well as points along his spine to smooth his liver function and reduce stress. By treating the injured muscles as well as his underlying stress, we treated the root and branch, providing a more comprehensive treatment, which would yield longer lasting results.
He received acupuncture once a week. After the first session his pain level dropped 50%. He was able to discontinue taking ibuprofen. Sleep was improved because he was not tossing and turning from the pain. He was able to stand and walk much easier. The following week, after his second treatment, pain dropped another 30%.
The next two treatments were used to consolidate his treatment and work on preventing future spasms to occur. We nourished his kidneys because those organs strengthen the back. We continued to smooth his liver qi to prevent future stressors from lodging in his back. We also continued to treat his local back and hip muscles to increase blood circulation.
We suggested he return once a month for maintenance, to see if we could prevent future back spasms. He agreed. That was three years ago. Since then, he has only had one minor spasm, following a family crisis, which was resolved with a single treatment. He has been very pleased with these results. The monthly acupuncture keeps his stress levels down, boosts his immune system, and resolves little aches and pains as they arise.
Next Steps
If you struggle with back spasms or other types of back or hip pain, try acupuncture. It is safe, natural and highly effective. Treatments address the root issue and provide long lasting relief. The results presented in this low back pain case study are typical.
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Back Spasms No More
Back spasms are a common injury in America. Acupuncture is an effective way to resolve spasms for good. If you are curious about acupuncture, give it a try. You will know within a few sessions whether it’s a good fit for you. Over 90% of our patients feel that it is.
What our Clients are Saying
I came to Raleigh Acupuncture. After 1 treatment, my back felt better than it has in a year. I’ve had acupuncture before elsewhere and it has never been this effective.
I went in for a bulging disc in my back and a couple of days after the first treatment I had no pain in my back. Before treatment I had a constant dull pain in the middle of my back when at rest. The treatments were about a week apart and I completed 3 of them. It has been about 3 weeks since I have been and have a slight pain in my back but is nowhere near what it was before I started treatment. Before getting acupuncture I tried chiropractic and felt worse when I was done. For those that are skeptical like me, let me tell you that it works. I would definitely recommend Dr Mark in his ability to help with your pain.
I suffered from low back pain for years and tried many different remedies. When I came to Raleigh Acupuncture, they really listened to understand my issues. I can honestly say that they cured my chronic back pain. I didn’t think it was possible, after all these years. I highly recommend this practice. The doctors take the time and do good work.
