Low back Pain (LBP) is one of the commonest causes of workdays lost to illness in the west. LBP also has an impact on family life, with the affected person unable to do the simplest things. For the body to be healthy, Qi must flow freely, and in TCM it is said that when Qi does not flow freely, pain will occur. There are many reasons why Qi is not flowing freely, resulting in low back pain. These may be cold ‘freezing’ the movement of Qi, or damp causing a stagnation of Qi, trauma causing a restriction in the flow of Qi or even organ imbalances, preventing the free flow of Qi. Acupuncture, by releasing the stagnations, or balancing the organ energies, may help alleviate the discomfort and restrictions associated with low back pain. Other treatments which may be of benefit include Tui Na massage, cupping therapy and Acutaping.
