Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles in pressure points on your body. Research suggests that it may help alleviate back pain.

Back pain, especially lower back pain, is a common chronic pain issue. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese physical therapy that has become a popular and well-researched method for managing this pain.

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that consists of inserting fine needles at various pressure points on the body through the skin. Needles are not meant to cause pain, harm, or discomfort.

  • back of the knees points
  • foot points
  • lower back points
  • hand points
  • hip points
  • stomach points

Points for upper back pain (also known as thoracic back pain) are typically different. These are found on the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back.

By stimulating these points, parts of the nervous system are also stimulated to relieve pain.

It’s not completely understood how acupuncture works. But, there are a few ways by which acupuncture is thought to work for back pain:

  • Stimulates nervous system. Trigger points stimulated by acupuncture can activate sensory nerve fibers, the spinal cord, and the brain, relieving pain.
  • Releases pain-relieving chemicals and neurotransmitters. Acupuncture may release pain-relieving chemicals and neurotransmitters, which are hormones that send messages regulating the on/off mechanisms of various nerve endings. These include opioids, serotonin, norepinephrine, and orexin.
  • Releases endorphins. Acupuncture can release endorphins, which are compounds that affect pain perception.

Regardless of how it works, trials on acupuncture for treating back pain show great results with very little risk of side effects.

A 2018 review of studies found that acupuncture was more effective in relieving back pain compared to those who received no treatment or “sham” acupuncture.

A 2021 study found that acupuncture was effective for low back pain, but noted that more standardized studies are needed to draw a definitive conclusion.

A 2025 study found that at 6- and 12-month follow-ups, acupuncture was particularly effective in relieving chronic back pain in adults aged 65 and older. It also reduced anxiety symptoms in this group.

Acupuncture is a safe procedure and therapy when performed by a professional, licensed acupuncturist.

Avoid receiving acupuncture from someone who is not qualified or licensed. It is helpful to conduct background research on a practitioner. You can verify a practitioner’s license with your state licensing board or check the National Board of Acupuncturists.

Alternatively, consider speaking with someone you trust who has consulted an acupuncturist for back pain. Ask them about practitioners they would recommend or refer.

Some people who have received acupuncture have reported soreness, bruising, and minor bleeding at puncture sites. These issues should clear up within a few days.

If you’re pregnant, certain types of acupuncture could stimulate labor and delivery. Talk with your doctor beforehand to ensure it is safe before starting.

If you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, acupuncture may not be appropriate. Be sure to discuss acupuncture with your doctor before starting, as they can advise you with your specific needs in mind. Bleeding can happen during the therapy, though this is rare.

If you want to try acupuncture for relief from back pain, you may want to talk with your regular doctor first to determine whether acupuncture is the best option for you.

Cost is another important consideration, as many health insurance plans do not cover it.

Before setting up an appointment, also make sure that you contact a professional licensed in your state. An acupuncturist should have proper training, licensing, and certification to administer safe treatments. Each state has a board of health that monitors and registers acupuncture practices.

There are ways to use the internet to find a qualified and licensed acupuncturist in your area. One way to do this is to check the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) directory.

However, keep in mind that one acupuncture treatment does not provide a cure for back pain. While relief is reportedly successful, it’s likely you’ll need long-term treatment. Acupuncture typically requires multiple treatments over time for optimal results.

Even if your first session was successful, expect to schedule more appointments. Also, expect that pain can and does usually return. If it does, you’ll have to schedule another series of sessions.

Most people may invest in a weekly session until they experience improvement. Afterward, they start scheduling sessions further apart, such as every other week, then monthly.

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Acupuncture can be a successful go-to therapy for chronic back pain. It can apply to either lower or upper back pain.

Research suggests that it may be beneficial for many individuals. A qualified, well-trained professional can provide safe treatment.

Still, acupuncture may not be for everyone. Talk with your doctor and acupuncturist about whether acupuncture is right for you.

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