Chronic lower back pain and pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia are seldom relieved with conventional medications. Dr. Beijing Men at Integrated Oriental Medicine provides alternative treatments that alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore energy so that you can overcome daily challenges. If you struggle with ongoing back or bodywide pain, call one of the offices in Seattle or Bellevue, Washington, or book an appointment online.
Back Pain Q & A
What causes back pain?
One of the top causes of back pain is muscle strain due to bending, twisting, lifting a heavy object, poor posture, or prolonged sitting. As you get older, back pain is likely to be caused by degenerative changes such as:
Herniated disc
The discs between spinal vertebrae consist of a gel-like center enclosed in a tough outer covering. When the outer layer becomes weak or damaged, the inner core can push through, causing a herniated disc.
Herniated discs are the primary cause of spinal stenosis, which is narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches your nerves.
Degenerative disc disease
Over time, discs become dry, thin, and damaged, with the result that they can no longer serve as shock absorbers and provide spinal flexibility.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis alone causes back pain, and it also leads to bone spurs that can pinch your nerves.
What should I know about fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia causes body-wide pain and tenderness in your muscles and connective tissues. In addition to ongoing pain, you’ll also have one or more of these symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with sleep
- Muscle stiffness, twitching, or cramping
- Memory and concentration problems (fibro fog)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression and anxiety
- Temperature sensitivity
Patients with fibromyalgia often have other painful conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and interstitial cystitis.
Although the cause of fibromyalgia hasn’t been pinpointed, it’s believed that the central nervous system becomes overactive and hypersensitive to pain.
How are back pain and fibromyalgia treated?
Dr. Men works with each patient to find the most effective way to relieve their pain and restore their energy. These are a few examples of potential therapies Dr. Men may use to treat back pain and fibromyalgia:
- Cupping
- Moxibustion
- Cold laser therapy
- Qigong
- Acupuncture with light electrical stimuli
- Herbal formulas customized for each patient
- Tuina or another form of therapeutic massage
The herbs used in Oriental medicine contain biologically active ingredients that provide many different benefits, from relieving pain and relaxing muscle spasms to managing depression and anxiety.
Studies show that acupuncture effectively relieves chronic low back pain, as well as the widespread pain of fibromyalgia.
If you’re ready for alternatives that are safe and effective for back pain, call Integrated Oriental Medicine or book an appointment online.