Back, neck and muscular pain can be difficult and debilitating to experience. In fact, this type of pain often reduces a person’s quality of life and makes day-to-day activities harder due to immobility. Overall, 18.9% of adults over the age of 18 suffer from chronic pain (CP) with a number of people citing lower back pain as a main cause. One in ten Canadians also suffer from neck pain that creates limitations to their daily lives.

Causes of back and neck pain

Back pain in adults aged 20-60 is associated with several lumbar spine health conditions such as:

• Lumbar disc herniation
• Degenerative disc disease
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis

Not only can it be linked to muscular strain, physical trauma and other types of injuries, but also from all of the sitting that we do at the office and on our computers, in our cars and at the end of a long day. In many cases, with acupuncture treatment and the proper lifestyle coaching, half of those who experience back pain will heal within two weeks and approximately 90% of sufferers can also take measures to heal within 3 months.

Back pain in older populations (adults 60+) often relates to conditions such as:

• Facet joint osteoarthritis
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis

Other reasons why senior populations often face back pain are connected to age, repeated strain and physical trauma, to name a few examples.

Neck pain is often caused by trauma to the area, inflammation and repetitive stress on neck structures. Neck and shoulder pain are some of the most common forms of pain with at least 25% of people suffering from them in Canada. Car accidents, poor posture, and prolonged sedentary positions often contribute to neck pain. Lifestyle choices can also affect neck pain, such as stress and harsh work conditions that repeatedly strain the neck.

It’s also important to note that joint dysfunction in the cervical spine can limit mobility and result in both neck and back pain.

How acupuncture can help

Acupuncture works with a microsystem, a map of over 2000 points in the human body that connects to 20 meridians (pathways). By re-distributing Qi, the life energy force, acupuncture naturally releases opioid peptides, organic chemicals found within the brain, which create an analgesic effect that reduces pain. By stimulating the nervous system in this way, pain is not only remedied but the immune system is positively affected too. This induces healing right at the source.

Acupuncture also plays a positive role in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones that affect sensations like pain. Its therapeutic properties help to conduct electromagnetic signals to increase the flow of neurotransmitters which contribute to the analgesic effect.

Say goodbye to unnatural pharmaceutical medications and give your body the chance to truly heal in a natural way. If you are in Edmonton and surrounding areas, we will work with you to develop a detailed treatment plan in order to remedy your pain and increase your mobility.

If you’re ready to see a difference in your back and neck pain is just one session, book an appointment with us today. Rest up this holiday season and Happy New Year from Red Leaf Wellness!