Acupuncture for Back Pain

Understanding Back Pain and Its Impact

Back pain is one of the most common and disabling health issues today. According to the American Chiropractic Association, up to 80% of adults will experience it at some point in their lives. It’s the leading cause of missed workdays and one of the most frequent reasons people seek medical care.

Whether it shows up as a dull ache, stiffness after long hours at a desk, or sharp pain that radiates down the leg, back pain can affect nearly every part of daily life. It can disrupt sleep, limit activity, reduce concentration, and make even simple tasks like walking, lifting, or sitting comfortably more difficult.

Chronic or recurring back pain can also have emotional and physical consequences. Ongoing discomfort often leads to fatigue, stress, and irritability, and can impact mood and overall well-being. Over time, the body may adapt to pain by changing posture or movement patterns, which can create additional strain and perpetuate a cycle of tension and imbalance.

While medications or muscle relaxants can offer temporary relief, they often don’t address the underlying cause of pain. For many people, these options also come with side effects or the risk of dependency. That’s why an increasing number of people in Campbell, San Jose, and throughout the South Bay are turning to acupuncture—an evidence-based, drug-free approach that supports the body’s natural ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy function.

Common Causes and Symptoms of Back Pain

Back pain can develop for many reasons, and often more than one factor is involved. Some of the most common include:

• Muscle strain or tension from poor posture, overuse, or repetitive movements

• Herniated or bulging discs that place pressure on nearby nerves

• Sciatica, which can cause pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg

• Arthritis or degenerative disc changes that develop over time

• Stress-related muscle tension, which can restrict circulation and contribute to pain

Symptoms vary from person to person, but often include:

• Dull, aching discomfort or sharp, localized pain

• Muscle stiffness or limited range of motion

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs

• Pain that worsens with movement, standing, or prolonged sitting

While conventional medicine often focuses on the site of pain, acupuncture takes a broader view, recognizing that back pain can be influenced by muscular tension, circulation, inflammation, and the body’s overall balance. Treatment aims to address both the immediate discomfort and the underlying patterns that contribute to ongoing pain, helping the body restore normal function and movement naturally.

How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Back Pain

Acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free approach to relieving both acute and chronic back pain. Research continues to show that it can influence multiple systems in the body, helping to reduce pain, improve circulation, and support long-term healing.

1. Reduces Inflammation and Muscle Tension
Acupuncture increases local blood flow to affected muscles and soft tissues, helping them relax and release built-up tension. Improved circulation also supports the removal of inflammatory byproducts and brings in oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. By easing inflammation and tightness, acupuncture helps restore natural movement and flexibility.

2. Stimulates the Body’s Natural Pain-Relief Mechanisms
Studies show that acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and enkephalins, the body’s own pain-relieving and mood-stabilizing chemicals. These substances help block pain signals from reaching the brain and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

3. Improves Nerve Function and Circulation
In conditions such as sciatica or herniated discs, irritation or compression of nerves can cause pain, tingling, or numbness. Acupuncture helps reduce local inflammation and muscular tension around the affected areas, improving nerve communication and blood flow. As circulation improves, pain often decreases and mobility increases.

4. Addresses Stress and Emotional Tension
Chronic stress can contribute to persistent back pain by causing muscles (especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back) to remain tense. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s stress response by lowering cortisol levels and calming the nervous system. Patients often report feeling more relaxed and better able to manage tension and fatigue after treatment.

5. Supports Long-Term Healing and Prevention
Beyond symptom relief, acupuncture works to correct the imbalances that make pain more likely to recur. Regular treatment can improve posture, flexibility, and muscle coordination, supporting the spine and reducing strain over time. Many patients notice that with continued care, their episodes of back pain become less frequent and less severe.

Acupuncture as a Complement to Conventional Care

Acupuncture can safely be used alongside conventional medical care, physical therapy, or chiropractic treatment. In fact, many healthcare providers now recommend acupuncture as part of a comprehensive plan for managing chronic or recurrent back pain, especially because it is non-invasive and drug-free.

Research supports this integrative approach. Studies published in leading medical journals, including JAMA and Annals of Internal Medicine, have found acupuncture to be an effective therapy for chronic low back pain, improving both pain intensity and physical function. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) also recognize acupuncture as a proven treatment for various types of musculoskeletal pain.

Dr. Cindi often collaborates with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive well-rounded, coordinated care. Her approach focuses on supporting the body’s healing capacity while addressing the broader factors that influence back pain, such as posture, stress, sleep, and overall lifestyle.

The goal is not only to relieve pain, but also to help patients build long-term resilience and restore a sense of balance and ease in daily life.

Lasting Back Pain Relief with Dr. Cindi Ignatovsky, L.Ac.

Compassionate, personalized acupuncture care for safe and lasting relief.

For more than two decades, Dr. Cindi Ignatovsky, L.Ac., has helped patients throughout Campbell, San Jose, and the South Bay find natural, long-term relief from back pain. Known for her compassionate care and individualized approach, Dr. Cindi tailors every acupuncture session to meet each patient’s unique needs, addressing not just the symptoms, but the underlying factors contributing to pain.

Patients often describe her treatments as deeply relaxing and highly effective, with noticeable improvements in comfort, mobility, and overall well-being after just a few visits. Acupuncture has been shown in numerous studies to relieve pain, enhance physical function, and reduce the recurrence of chronic symptoms. With consistent care, many patients experience improved posture, better sleep, and fewer flare-ups over time.

Living with back pain doesn’t have to be your new normal. Relief is possible—naturally, safely, and effectively.

To begin your path toward a more comfortable, active life, text or click here to schedule your appointment with Dr. Cindi Ignatovsky, L.Ac. Discover how acupuncture can help you move freely, feel better, and reclaim your quality of life. We look forward to serving you at our Campbell acupuncture clinic.