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Juntendo Clinic

515 E. Golf Rd., Suite 108

Arlington Heights, IL 60005 US

847-290-8339

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  • January Newsletter: Prenatal Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain

January Newsletter: Prenatal Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Pregnant woman holds her abdomen

Acupuncture Relieves Pregnancy-Related Lower Back Pain Naturally

Is nagging lower back pain keeping you from enjoying the last months of your pregnancy? Although pain relievers might have been your go-to solution before you were pregnant, concerns about your unborn baby could make you hesitate to take medication now. Fortunately, acupuncture offers a safe way to relieve and manage your back pain symptoms.

Why Back Pain Happens During Pregnancy

Back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy. In fact, 50 to 80% of pregnant women report experiencing the pain, according to Spine Universe. Pregnancy causes temporary posture changes that increase the risk of back pain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains that posture issues occur when your growing uterus weakens the muscles in your abdomen.

Your abdominal muscles support your core and help keep your back strong. When the muscles are weak, stress and strain on the bones and muscles in your back increase. As your abdominal muscles loosen and become weaker, other muscles tighten, increasing stress and strain on your back.

During the latter part of your pregnancy, your body increases the production of relaxin, a hormone that improves the flexibility of your joints and ligaments. Although relaxin makes it easier to deliver your baby, loose joints and ligaments affect the stability of your pelvis and contribute to posture changes and low back pain. At the same time relaxin rises, production of the hormone estrogen also increases. Both hormones cause your pelvis to widen, according to SPINE-Health, which could be a factor if you have pain in your back and thighs.

How Acupuncture Relieves Back Pain

It's nearly impossible to find a comfortable position when your back hurts. No matter which way you turn, the pain just doesn't go away. If you've become frustrated by your back pain, acupuncture offers an ideal alternative pain-relief option. Treatments ease your symptoms by:

  • Reducing Inflammation. Acupuncture decreases inflammation and swelling in the joints and tissues in your back, hips and pelvis. Once inflammation subsides, you may notice less pain and stiffness.
  • Improving Balance. The hair-thin needles your acupuncturist inserts into your skin during acupuncture treatment restore the normal movement of Qi, a life force essential for good health. Acupuncture relieves Qi blockages and pain and helps keep your body balanced.
  • Triggering Natural Pain Relievers. Acupuncture treatments also increase the production of serotonin and endorphins. These hormones control pain naturally and regulate your moods. In a systematic review recently published in BMJ Open, researchers concluded that acupuncture was safe for pregnant women and could help reduce low back and pelvic pain. Women in several of the studies included in the review reported better physical function and quality of life thanks to acupuncture treatment. In another study in New Zealand, 89% of pregnant women reported an improvement in lumbopelvic (lower back and pelvic) pain after acupuncture treatment.
  • Blocking or Decreasing Pain Signals. Treatments may have a positive effect on nerve receptors that process pain signals. Acupuncture affects pathways in the brain that are part of the pain recognition process and can help prevent signals from reaching your brain. When the signals are interrupted, you won't feel pain or may notice decreased pain.
  • Improving Circulation. Acupuncture improves blood flow to your back. Your blood not only carries nutrients that help heal tissues but also removes waste products that could contribute to pain.
  • Stopping Muscle Spasms. Spasms are an unfortunate part of lower back pain for many pregnant women. Acupuncture relaxes cramping muscles, which relieves pain and increases range of motion.

Looking for a natural solution for your lower back pain? Contact our office to schedule an acupuncture appointment.

Sources:

Spine Universe: Back Pain During Pregnancy, 9/26/2022

https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/back-pain/back-pain-during-pregnancy

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Back Pain During Pregnancy, 12/2021

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/back-pain-during-pregnancy

PubMed: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies: Treating Pain in Pregnancy with Acupuncture: Observational Study Results for a Free Clinic in New Zealand, 2/2018

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29482798/

BMJ: Acupuncture Can Relieve Lower Back/Pelvic Pain Often Experienced During Pregnancy

https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/acupuncture-can-relieve-lower-back-pelvic-pain-often-experienced-during-pregnancy/

HealthCMI: Acupuncture Relieves Pregnancy Pain, 8/9/2018

https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1871-acupuncture-relieves-pregnancy-pain

BabyCenter: Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?, 9/30/2021

https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/health-and-safety/is-it-safe-to-have-acupuncture-during-pregnancy_1246184

  • We May Help You With
  • Modality Treatment
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  • Herbal and Nutritional Therapies
  • Functional Medicine
    • Acupuncture Therapy
      • Conditions Treated
      • Herbal and Nutritional Therapies
      • Modality Treatment
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Monday:

2:00 pm-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

5:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

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Testimonials

  • "Earlier this year, I woke up one day with extreme pain in my right shoulder. After a trip to the emergency room and an orthopedic surgeon appointment, it was discovered that I had calcific tendinopathy. The diagnosis was that I would need to be in a shoulder immobilizer for 3-4 months for painful rehab and months of harsh prescription medications. This is when I consulted with Dr. Kari and Kimberley. After the first treatment, I was able to remover the shoulder immobilizer. By the third treatment, I was back at full strength. I owe my ability to enjoy my summer to Juntendo Clinic and recommend Dr. Kari and Kimberly to everyone I speak with."
    C.F.
  • "I came to see Dr. Kari one year ago due to infertility. Dr. Kari used her knowledge and experience to help me have two healthy boys. I also did acupuncture throughout my pregnancy and that helped me stay energized and maintain a healthy pregnancy."
    J.H.
  • "Thank you so very much for treating my lower back pain caused by the sciatica nerve. The pain is completely gone. I would also like to thank you for being so thoughtful and concerned about my health."
    M.J.
  • "Acupuncture has helped me in many ways. No medical treatments helped me get pregnant, but acupuncture helped. Also I am more relaxed. Acupuncture brought light into my life. I got a beautiful daughter and I cannot be more thankful to Dr. Kari."
    Z.B.
  • "I believe acupuncture treatment helped me greatly to have a successful pregnancy. Especially going through a year of treatment."
    M.A.
  • "Helped with headaches, bloating, heartburn, and acupuncture has really helped with morning sickness. I started coming to the clinic in early this year. Dr. Ye has been a god send to me."
    E.P.
  • "Have a lot of confidence in Dr. Ye's knowledge and skills. Would refer others to Juntendo. Office is very clean / hygenic. Staff is professional and people oriented. Dr. Ye is very personable. I am very pleased with Juntendo."
    A.E. / Arlington Heights, IL

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