Back Pain and Traditional Chinese Medicine

/in /by

“Low back pain (LBP) has the highest prevalence globally among musculoskeletal conditions and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 6Australians have back problems.”(Australian Back Pain Statistics (2025), n.d.)

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can affect people of all ages. It may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time. In some cases, even a simple movement such as coughing, sneezing, bending, or lifting may aggravate an underlying issue.

Common contributing factors may include:

  • Muscle strain or ligament sprain
  • Poor posture or repetitive movements
  • Incorrect lifting or twisting
  • Sports or workplace injuries
  • Disc-related irritation
  • Age-related degenerative changes
  • Arthritis and joint stiffness
  • Stress and muscle tension

Symptoms may range from localised stiffness and aching to pain radiating into the buttock or leg, sometimes accompanied by cramping, tingling, or numbness.

Back Pain from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain is often understood as a disruption in the smooth flow of Qi and Blood through the channels and tissues of the body. When circulation becomes impaired, discomfort, stiffness, or restricted movement may occur.

Different patterns may contribute to back pain depending on the individual presentation. These can include:

  • Qi and Blood stagnation following injury or overuse
  • Cold and Damp accumulation affecting the channels
  • Muscle tension associated with stress
  • Kidney deficiency patterns associated with chronic or age-related weakness

The aim of treatment in TCM is to support the body’s natural balance and encourage the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood.

Acupuncture for Back Pain

At Diamond Bridge Clinic, practitioners take an individualised approach to assessment and treatment. During the consultation, practitioners may ask questions such as:

  • Where is the pain located?
  • Is the pain sharp, dull, fixed, or throbbing?
  • Is it worse with movement or after rest?
  • What aggravates or relieves the pain?
  • Is there any numbness or tingling?
  • Does the pain radiate into the leg and foot?
  • How long have the symptoms been present?

These are some of the questions your practitioner might ask, and together with physical assessment and Chinese medicine diagnosis, help build a clearer understanding of the condition and guide treatment planning.

Acupuncture treatment may be used as part of a broader management approach for back pain. Depending on the presentation, treatment aims may include:

  • Supporting mobility and muscle relaxation
  • Assisting circulation to affected areas
  • Helping manage pain, tension and inflammation.
  • Supporting general wellbeing and recovery

Improvements in sleep, mobility, or overall comfort following treatment is common, although responses vary between individuals.(Urits et al., 2021)

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine may also be incorporated into treatment when appropriate. Herbal prescriptions are traditionally formulated according to the individual’s pattern diagnosis rather than based solely on symptoms.

Formulas may be selected with the intention of:

  • Supporting the circulation of Qi and Blood
  • Addressing Cold or Damp patterns
  • Supporting recovery after strain or injury
  • Nourishing and supporting the body in chronic conditions

Herbal medicine should always be prescribed by a qualified practitioner after an appropriate consultation.

Frequently asked Questions

How does acupuncture work?

Research suggests that acupuncture may assist with pain management through several physiological mechanisms. These may include modulation of the nervous system, changes in local circulation, and stimulation of the body’s natural regulatory responses.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is also understood as helping restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood through the channels and tissues of the body.

Responses to treatment vary between individuals and depend on the nature and duration of the condition.

How often should I do Acupuncture?

Treatment frequency depends on the individual condition, its severity, and how long symptoms have been present

In the first few treatments we usually recommend 2 treatments a week. This is because even If you experience a significant improvement, this could last a short period of time. Repetition of treatment is called “Acupuncture dose” and it is fundamental to achieve the best possible results. After 2 to 4 treatments sessions can be extended weekly and eventually fortnightly once symptom relief is significant and long lasting.

Cares after treatment

It is common that after treatment we become overconfident and return to the practices that injured us in the beginning. Your practitioner will advise you on careful movement, picking up things, how to exercise, and other lifestyle cares for a sustained and effective outcome.

If symptoms change significantly or require further investigation, patients may also be advised to seek additional medical assessment.

References

Australian Back Pain Statistics (2025). (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://www.sleepsociety.com.au/blog/australian-back-pain-statistics

Urits, I., Wang, J. K., Yancey, K., Mousa, M., Jung, J. W., Berger, A. A., Shehata, I. M., Elhassan, A., Kaye, A. D., & Viswanath, O. (2021). Acupuncture for the Management of Low Back Pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 25(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00919-y