Does Acupuncture Treatment for Herniated Disk Work?

Updated on February 20th, 2020
Acupuncture for herniated disc

Acupuncture is a secure and efficient therapy for numerous autonomous clinical trials of lumbar disk herniation (1).

A meta-analysis of studies shows that Jiaji acupoints, in combination with manual and electro-acupuncture methods, produce significant beneficial patient results. Distal and abdominal acupuncture also showed extraordinary useful results for patients.

Some research reviews cover rare acupuncture points that demonstrate clinical effectiveness and details of an effective manual acupuncture method that is efficient in relieving symptoms of lumbar disc hernia. Around ninety percent of sciatic instances in the lumbar area is due to a herniated intervertebral disk. It has been noted that ankle acupuncture (AA) is efficient in treating acute, non-specific low back pain(2).

Will acupuncture help Herniated disk?

Acupuncture for bulging disk is effective. Each acupuncture needle causes a small injury at the insertion site. Although it is small enough to cause little or no pain, it is enough of a signal to let the body know that it wants to react.

This reaction includes immune system stimulation, supporting area circulation, wound healing, and modulation of pain.

Contemporary acupuncture study focuses primarily on this theory. Right from strengthening your back to providing relief and reducing inflammation, acupuncture is more effective to treat a herniated disc.

However, acupuncture won’t be able to cure or treat degenerative disc. But it can provide relief from discomfort, pain, and inflammation.

How to perform acupuncture?

Acupuncture for herniated disc
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Since acupuncture is a therapy that involves needles, it is best to get it done by a professional rather than doing it by yourself. Find an expert acupuncturist in your city and take a consultation.  Also, talk to your physician for more information.

[Read: Exercises for Herniated Disc]

What is the alternative treatment for a herniated disk in the lower back?

A herniated disk is a disorder that can happen in the lower back anywhere along the spine. A bulging, protruding, or ruptured disk is sometimes called Herniated disks.

This is one of the causes of reduced back pain as well as leg pain or “sciatica.” At some stage in their life, between sixty and eighty percent of people will experience lower back pain.

[Read: Yoga for Sciatica to Relieve Pain]

Some of these people will experience lower back pain and leg pain from a bulged disk. Although a slipped disc can be very painful, with only a few weeks or months of non-chirurgical therapy, most people feel much better(3).

The various conservative and surgical therapy options are outlined below for a herniated lumbar disk and a cervical herniated disk.

  • Ice and heat treatment can be used to relieve pain.
  • Manipulation, like chiropractic manipulation, is also used.
  • Epidural injections to reduce pain relief inflammation works well.
  • Physical treatment, exercise, and mild stretching to relieve nerve root stress.
  • Ultrasound therapy

Smooth exercises, stretches, and events can all ease a herniated disk’s pain. Activities can also reinforce and enhance the spine, neck, and back flexibility.

A herniated disc, or slipped or broken drive, happens when some of the smooth jellies in the middle of the disk move past the hard exterior. It can be excruciating, causing back pain, neck pain, arm pain shooting, tingling, numbness, or leg weakness.

There is generally no need for surgery for people with a herniated disk. Doctors frequently suggest physiotherapy to treat herniated disk symptoms.

[Read: Heal Herniated Disc with Easy Stretches]

Side effects/prevention

Acupuncture poses some hazards, as with any therapy, the most prevalent being pain and bleeding from the insertion of acupuncture needles.

Other side effects may include rashes of the skin, allergic reactions, bruising, pain, bleeding, nausea, dizziness, fainting, or diseases.

To decrease the risk of severe adverse effects, a certified and educated physician should always administer acupuncture using sterile, disposable needles.

One of the most widely-used treatments around the globe, acupuncture for herniated disc has been one of the most effective therapies. However, more studies and research are needed to be done. If you have trouble with standard techniques in handling pain or other health problems, acupuncture may be worth a try. Just be sure to first check with your doctor to see if it’s suitable for you.

[ Read: Yoga for Herniated Disc ]


FAQs

1. Can Acupuncture Cure Herniated Disc Completely?

By applying acupuncture at specific points, the flow of Qi is thought to improve. However, complete cure or treatment depends on various factors like for how long you have herniated disc, age, etc.

2.  How Long Does It Take Acupuncture to Work?

It may take up to sixty minutes for this original assessment and therapy. Usually, it takes about half an hour for subsequent appointments.

3.  Can Acupuncture Make You Feel Worse?

While most individuals notice a marked improvement after acupuncture in their symptoms, some feel worse before they begin to feel better. This can lead not only to a worsening of present symptoms but also to the recurrence of prior dormant diseases.

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