How Acupuncture Treats Back Pain: What to Expect from a Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture for Back Pain: A Proven, Personalized Approach to Relief

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical treatment, and it’s also one of the top conditions we help manage at our clinic. Whether you're dealing with lower back pain, sciatica, a herniated disc, or stiffness from long-standing or long-sitting tension, acupuncture offers a natural, effective path to relief.

Michelle She, one of our licensed acupuncturists, shares her approach:

“We treat a lot of pain at the clinic. Lower back pain is one of the most common issues we see. Whether your pain comes from muscle strain, disc problems, spinal stenosis, or arthritis, acupuncture gives you another option: one that doesn’t rely on pain medication.”

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Back pain can come from a variety of conditions, including:

• Muscle tension or strain

• Bulging or herniated discs

• Sciatica (nerve-related pain down the leg)

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)

• Osteoarthritis

• Poor posture or stress

Conventional treatments often include medications, physical therapy, or even surgery. But many patients want something more holistic, something that supports their body’s healing without masking symptoms. That’s where acupuncture can help.

How Acupuncture Works for Back Pain

Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine but has growing support in modern clinical research. By inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture helps:

• Reduce inflammation

• Increase circulation

• Release natural painkillers (like endorphins)

• Calm the nervous system

• Relax tight muscles and fascia

A 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pain found that acupuncture was more effective than both sham acupuncture (placebo control group) and standard care for chronic pain, including back pain. And its benefits persisted even after treatment ended.

Our Approach at China Acupuncture Clinic Tyler

Michelle brings a unique perspective to her practice. Before becoming an acupuncturist, she worked as a licensed Occupational Therapist in Taiwan, supporting patients with complex neurological and orthopedic conditions. Her training allows her to blend modern medical insight with the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

At our clinic in Tyler, we tailor every treatment based on your condition. Sessions may include:

• Traditional acupuncture

• Electrical stimulation acupuncture (gentle pulses to enhance effects)

• Gua-sha (a scraping technique to increase blood flow)

“Some patients feel better after just one session, while others notice improvement over a few weeks,” Michelle explains. “We’re here to guide you through it, at your pace.”

What to Expect as a New Patient

If you’re new to acupuncture, here's a general roadmap for back pain treatment:

• Initial phase: Weekly visits for 3–4 weeks to stabilize symptoms

• Improvement phase: Biweekly sessions as pain and mobility improve

• Maintenance phase: Monthly or as-needed visits to prevent recurrence

We also check in frequently to adjust your treatment plan based on your progress. If your pain ever returns, you're always welcome to return.

Real Results from Real People

One of our patients treated by Michelle came to us relying on a walker due to severe pain radiating from her lower back down to her groin and knee. After just one acupuncture session, her pain dropped dramatically to 2 out of 10, allowing her to walk unaided and lie comfortably on the treatment table for the first time in years.

Another inspiring story is Joy’s, a patient of Erica’s, who struggled with chronic back pain for over six years. After undergoing two surgeries, despite trying various pain management methods, she found no relief. When Joy first arrived, she could barely walk and needed her husband to drive her to the clinic. After just one treatment, she walked out on her own the same day and has since been managing her pain without medication.

These real-life stories highlight how acupuncture can offer effective, natural relief for conditions like lower back pain, sciatica, and herniated discs. If you’re seeking holistic back pain treatment in Tyler, TX, our licensed acupuncturists are ready to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Watch Joy share her journey to relief from chronic back pain with acupuncture.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Back pain can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether you're dealing with chronic discomfort or a recent flare-up, acupuncture offers a natural, research-backed path to relief.

At our clinic, we tailor every treatment to your unique condition. If you’re looking for a gentle, whole-body approach that works with your body, not against it, acupuncture may be the next step forward.

We’re always here to answer your questions or talk through your symptoms. You don’t have to figure it out alone!

If you’re ready to feel more supported in your body and reclaim your mobility, we welcome you to schedule a consultation. There’s nothing to lose and possibly so much to gain.

References

• Vickers AJ, et al. (2018). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455-474. PubMed Link

• Qaseem A, et al. (2017). Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7), 514–530. ACP Link