Treating chronic lower back pain with acupuncture

Abstract

Background: Chronic back pain tends to be very difficult to treat and there is no single or certain cure. The purpose of this research study is to shed light on the different categories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in particular acupuncture, which can help alleviate lower back pain symptoms as evidenced through past medical trials, both Western and Chinese. The aim of this thesis is to give a show how acupuncture works, with particular emphasis on impinged intervertebral discs, arthritis and sciatica, which meridians are used and citing past clinical tests to prove its efficacy. Methods and resources: Research was conducted using Medical textbooks (Chinese and Western), University library and online resources, thematic journals, articles and Medical textbooks and previous theses in this field. Studies to verify acupuncture validity (Acupuncture Versus Placebo or other control groups) were also used. The thesis briefly gives an overview of the Traditional Chinese Medicine History (particularly, Acupuncture) and explains the traditional Chinese Acupuncture method as well as the current western treatments used to cure lower back pain. The thesis includes a literature review of 26 trials performed both in the West and in China. These trials show how manual acupuncture (M.A) can improve the subject‘s low back pain (L.B.P). A number of interviews were organised with medical practitioners in Malta to gauge their outlook towards acupuncture. The results of this interview are included within the Discussion section. As part of the thesis, a trial proposal with the same subject is included at the end of the thesis. This will include all the positive aspects of all the trials included in this thesis. Results: The studies favoured acupuncture as a more effective and safe form of pain relief for low back pain. It avoids any dangerous side effects Conclusion: Although acupuncture is on the rise, the major part of L.B.P sufferers are not aware of the healing potential of acupuncture.