What is lower back pain?
Lower back pain refers to discomfort or pain below the ribcage and above the buttocks. It is a common condition that affects a significant portion of the population at some point in their lives. Lower back pain can range from mild to severe and may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
There are several potential causes of lower back pain:
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Muscle or ligament strain
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Disc herniation
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Spinal stenosis
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Arthritis
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Structural abnormalities
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Infections or tumors
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Myofascial Trigger Points
How can acupuncture and dry needling relieve lower back pain by targeting gluteus medius trigger points?
Many people who have chronic low back pain have found acupuncture to be helpful. The scientific evidence that supports this is limited, there are some studies suggesting its efficacy. Until there is a good form of sham acupuncture for comparison it will be difficult to prove scientifically.
Acupuncture and dry needling are two approaches for relieving lower back pain caused by trigger points in the gluteus medius muscle.
Acupuncture can reduce pain and stimulate healing by inserting sterile hair-like thin needles into specific points of the body. In the case of lower back pain, acupuncture needles can be inserted directly into the muscle to help relieve tension, release myofascial trigger points, and improve circulation. The insertion of these needles can also stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, reducing discomfort and promoting health
Dry needling is a more specific technique focused directly on reducing trigger points in a muscle. It directly targets taut bands that create a pain referral pattern and elicit a twitching response to relax the muscle. It helps to induce a response that releases pain-causing muscle fibers.
Both techniques also affect natural chemical pathways within the body for improved relief, allowing overall better function restoration.
