One common cause of low back pain is known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a condition that is caused by degeneration of the vertebral column. The degeneration of the vertebra causes a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing in and around the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Stenosis can occur anywhere in the spine including the neck and low back. It typically presents as localized pain but it may refer pain. Stenosis in the low back for example may send pain down into the buttock and leg. In most cases the pain and symptoms that spinal stenosis causes can be managed through conservative care. Conservative care is any therapy that does not use drugs or surgery. 

Acupuncture is a type of conservative treatment that utilizes thin, sterile needles which are inserterd into specific points on the body. Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective in the pain management of spinal stenosis. Studies show that acupuncture causes the natural stimulation of our body’s own pain-relieving hormones known as endorphins. In addition, acupuncture also increases blood flow and white blood cell production. It is these two properties that contribute to the body’s natural healing process. According to spinalstenosis.org, “Research has been conducted in recent years showing that alterations in blood pressure and blood flow can occur with acupuncture treatment leading to clinically significant responses in those with lumbar stenosis”.

To find out if acupuncture can help you, call Natural Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture at (480) 815-8663.