Lumbar spondylosis a.k.a osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is a common cause of lower back pain. It occurs due to wear and tear of the lower end of the spine (lumbar spine) over time. More common in those who have more physically demanding jobs. Poor posture and core strength is a big contributor as well. This condition does not always cause pain, but for some the pain may be significant and limit daily activities.
I would consider back pain to be one of the hardest pains to treat. There is a role for laser acupuncture here, but treatment should not even be contemplated until one starts on core building exercises directed by your friendly physiotherapist/exercise physiologist. I cannot stress enough how important this is! Specific core and back exercises strengthen the small and deep muscles around the back giving it support and allowing it to recover. Just doing deadlifts strengthens your large outer back muscles but does not target the deeper (and more important) muscles effectively. It is well known that one’s mindset is a big factor in pain, but especially back pain. Positivity goes a long way. Keeping active and not resting for an excessively prolonged period of time is crucial in preventing back stiffness. Of course there are a multitide of pain medications to use as well.
With all that said, my ideal lower back pain patient
- has seen the physiotherapist/exercise physiologist and are doing deeper back strengthening exercises daily
- is motivated to get better and/or reduce medication
- has a positive mind set
- has reached the limits of where exercise can improve them
At this point in time, I would consider adding laser acupuncture or arranging for an imaging guided steroid/cortisone injection. My preference obviously would be the non invasive one. The cortisone injection can work wonders, but in some cases I’ve seen it worsen the condition. Laser acupuncture either works or doesn’t work, but I have not seen it worsen the condition. If either of these treatments aren’t working, then I am considering a referral to the pain clinic or neurosurgeon.
Case sample:
A pleasant 64 year old gentleman, by word of mouth, comes to me with backpain wanting laser acupuncture. He came armed with his CT scan which confirms advanced lumbar spondylosis of the L3/4 vertebrae with possible impingement. This seemed to correlate with his symptoms with the back pain radiating down to the area behind his right thigh / knee. He is taking anti-inflammatories daily. He had been actively doing his back/core exercises and his pain had definitely improved as a result. He only required two sessions of auricular (ear) acupuncture and his pain was 80-90% improved. He has reduced his medication by half. On some days, he doesn’t use any pain meds. He continues with his exercises while keeping an active lifestyle. He may need the occasional top up of laser acupuncture when he overdoes it.
For me, auricular acupuncture is by far the most effective style of acupuncture for back pain. If the ears do not work, I will usually add on scalp points, or consider points on the hands or feet. My last points I would consider would be points on the back itself.
I will emphasise again that laser acupuncture will not work for everyone. I can generally pick out which patients will do well. They will possess those factors mentioned above. Patients that come wanting a silver bullet to their pain usually are disappointed.
