Several studies over the past few years have shown that acupuncture back pain therapy offers more effective relief than "standard" treatments such as NSAIDs.
What is really interesting about the results of this research is that even "sham" acupuncture back pain treatment using toothpicks that poked but did not pierce the skin worked just as well as regular acupuncture needle techniques.
How Acupuncture Works The findings of these studies indicate that it's not necessary to actually puncture the skin in order for acupuncture to provide back pain relief; it could be that acupressure is just as effective.
Some of the researchers feel that a "physiological chain of events" occurs when the skin is superficially stimulated.
Traditional acupuncture is quite different than Western therapies.
It is a process that works to restore overall muscle balance to the body by stimulating the "chi" centers.
As Chinese practitioners know, the human body is intrinsically programmed for balance and symmetry.
The Posture Connection Proper posture, or neutral anatomy, does much the same thing as acupuncture; it regulates body functions and efficiently transfers energy and loads at the upper extremity distally through the core, down to the knees, until that energy finally disperses through the feet.
Disruptions in that transfer of energy caused by improper posture cause the body to be imbalanced and even the mind to have difficulty concentrating.
While many researchers are reluctant to hypothesize exactly why acupuncture works so successfully in treating back pain, it may be similar to the results found in a study conducted by Vail Resorts.
This study followed 300 professional ski instructors over a period of three weeks.
The participants performed a variety of tasks while wearing a Posture Shirt that produces a neuromuscular response to maintain proper posture and while wearing their regular clothing.
They were given self-evaluation tests regarding the degree of muscle fatigue and stiffness in both instances.
The results indicated an anatomical effect from the posture shirt's touch and tension technology influenced skeletal alignment, muscular coordination and body awareness.
In other words, the shirts functioned almost like an acupressure device.
Back Pain Relief Therapies Acupuncture back pain therapy is one method that provides a great deal of relief to people who suffer chronic pain.
But using the information provided above, it can also be inferred that anything which stimulates the appropriate pressure points along the neck, back, and spine would also be beneficial.
Thus, a Posture Shirt with its acupressure ability also provides relief.
Acupuncturists claim that their treatments do more than just relieve back pain but work instead to restore the body's balance and so work continuously to improve overall health.
The same is true when a person is retrained to stay in proper posture; it keeps the body in balance and helps all of the organs and systems function optimally.
Acupuncture back pain is a truly successful form of therapy with proven results.
It works on much the same principles as proper posture in regards to balancing the body and all of its systems.
Between acupuncture and posture correction, those who suffer from lower back pain are sure to find relief.