Acupuncture Blog Minneapolis / Steven Sonmore, L.Ac. » Back Pain

Low Back Pain Study Shows Acupuncture Works Twice As Well As Conventional Therapy

Staff writer — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:55:10 +0000

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 80 percent of the general population in the United States will suffer from low back pain sometime during their lifetime. Low back pain is the second most frequent reason Americans visit a medical doctor for treatment. It is also, according to a widely publicized study, the most frequent reason that Americans visit a licensed acupuncturist for care.

A German study on chronic low back pain showed that acupuncture works twice as well as standard care (Haake et al 2007). Standard care is defined as using drugs and physical therapy.

This was a patient and observer blinded randomized, controlled trial conducted in Germany involving 340 outpatient practices, including 1162 patients aged 18 to 86 years with a history of chronic low back pain for an average of 8 years. Patients underwent ten 30 minute sessions, usually 2 sessions per week, of acupuncture according to principles of traditional Chinese medicine; or conventional therapy, a combination of drugs, physical therapy, and exercise.

The conclusion of the study was that chronic low back pain improved after acupuncture treatment for at least 6 months. The effectiveness of acupuncture was almost twice that of conventional therapy.
Arch Intern Med. 2007;167(17):1892-1898

If you suffer from back pain and live in Minneapolis/ St. Paul/Twin Cities click on this link to learn more –> Low Back Pain Relief Acupuncture Clinic . Or, call us at 612-866-4000 today to set up your appointment for pain free health.

Acupuncture Blog Minneapolis was voted 1 of 30 Best Blogs to Learn More About Acupuncture. The award quoted: Steven Sonmore, an acupuncturist in Minneapolis, offers his insights into the ancient practice here. Recommended posts: “What You’ve Always Wanted To Know About Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine But Were Afraid To Ask” and “Scientific Validation of Acupuncture for Pain Relief.”

Stay tuned. We’ll continue to bring you the latest news about acupuncture and its health benefits.

Ford Plant Uses Acupuncture To Reduce Back Pain Medication Use And Cost

Staff writer — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:21:41 +0000

A pilot study performed with assembly workers at the Ford Motor Company in Louisville, Kentucky using acupuncture and mind/body therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine reduced the use of pain medications among participants by 58%. The findings were published in a letter to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

In the study, one group received conventional pain management therapies, including pain medications. The second group utilized integrative therapies, including acupuncture and relaxation/meditation CDs. Both of the groups received treatments over a six-week period, with a 12-week follow-up.

Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD(hc), a co-principal investigator on the study stated, “While the sample size was insufficient to adequately estimate the effect of the integrative medicine intervention on disability or absenteeism, the results have very positive implications for employers looking to manage their pharmacy costs associated with low back pain.” Back pain is estimated to cost employers as much as $100 billion a year in direct medical expenses, lost workdays, reduced productivity, compensation payments and legal charges.

Source: The Integrator Blog

If you suffer from back pain and live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities area visit us at Minneapolis Back Pain . Or call Ann or Jackie now at 612-866-4000 for more information about how you can end chronic back pain.

Announcing Introduction to Tai Chi for Back and Neck Pain Class In Minneapolis

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:02:07 +0000

Stiff Back and Shoulders? Low Energy and Fatigue? No Problem!

Do you suffer from fatigue, stress, and a stiff back? Then you might be excited to learn about a NEW introductory one hour class coming up very quickly.

On Saturday, Nov. 6th you will discover how to rejuvenate yourself easily on a daily basis with Tai Chi exercises and breathing movements that relieve back and neck pain.

Tai Chi is perhaps the lowest impact exercise one can do, and is gentle and easy enough to do in business clothes at the office. Yet, recent studies show that Tai Chi can provide much the same cardiovascular benefit as moderate impact aerobics. In fact, a study from the Journal of American Geriatrics reported by Reuters found that Tai Chi lowered high blood pressure in older adults even more than regular aerobics. The fact that Tai Chi can do this without speeding up their heart rates, changes the way medicine looks at cardio vascular physical therapies. Dr. Deborah Rohm Young, of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland (a researcher in this study) said that these findings “suggest that exercise intensity may be less important than other factors” when it comes to lowering high blood pressure.

Learn how these dynamic exercises will enhance your life energy according to Chinese medicine principles. Join us at Burnsville High School, 600 Highway 13 E., Burnsville, MN 55337 on Saturday, Nov. 6th at 11am. Cost is only $15.

Call 952-707-4110 today to register. Or see http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html

About the Instructor: For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, herbalist and Oriental bodywork therapist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Read new articles at www.orientalmedcare.com about how Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will enhance your life. We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times by getting them feeling better fast! We are also here to help you STAY feeling better and looking younger! Don’t be a stranger. Call us, and we will assist you in putting together a customized preventative maintenance plan. It’s not an expensive luxury anymore! With our affordable fees, it’s less expensive than you think! You really can afford Acupuncture care!

Study Shows Tai Chi Improves Health, Relieves Pain

Staff writer — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:58:55 +0000

Participants in a study on the health benefits of practicing Tai Chi observed a big increase in breathing capacity and a reduction or elimination of backaches and neck aches. Participants with high blood pressure claimed a drop of 10 to 15 mm Hg systolic at rest. All had more energy for their day to day work.

This ten year study on aging through Harvard, Yale and Emory University determined that Tai Chi was superior to more technological balance therapies and that Tai Chi reduced the risk of injury from falling by 48%. Complications from injuries by falling are the sixth leading cause of death in seniors in American and account for about $10 billion loss per year to our economy.

If you live in the Twin Cities/ Minneapolis/St. Paul area join us for Introduction to Tai Chi for Back and Neck Pain on Nov. 6th at 11am.

What is the Best Way to Reduce Pain?

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:06:23 +0000

Are you suffering from chronic pain? If so, you may wonder what type of licensed health professional could help you. If you’re like a lot of people in your situation, you may have already tried pain medications, or you may be using prescriptions that only relieve your pain a little bit. You may be suffering from side effects as a result of these medications or the need to increase your dosage as you become immune to the effects of the pain killers. Unfortunately, this is the experience of many who take meds for pain. For some, it becomes so severe that they become addicted to the pain killers and must enter a rehabilitation facility to stop taking them.

As a result, more and more people are turning to alternative medicine treatment options. Studies show that many people have experienced long-term or even permanent relief from their pain, better range of motion, and a reduction of stress from alternative treatments.

If you decide to try alternative medicine, however, you still have a difficult choice to make. There are numerous modalities, and it can be difficult to determine the best course of action.

Massage

Massage therapy works to relieve tightness and constriction held in the muscles of the body. If the cause of the pain is temporary muscular tightness, you will experience relief. The problem is that there are many other reasons for pain besides muscular tightness. If those causes are not addressed, the muscles simply tighten again very quickly after the massage is over.

As a result, many people complain that even though they enjoy regular massages in an effort to reduce their pain, the effects are short-lived.

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that there are four levels of vital life energy, which is called Qi (pronounced “chi.”) While massage and even acupressure therapies work only on the first of the four levels, acupuncture can heal the body on all four levels. This is because both acupuncture (as well as Chinese herbs) works more specifically to heal and balance exactly what the body needs. They work on the physical, mental, and emotional levels simultaneously.

One of the most compelling studies regarding acupuncture for the treatment of pain was conducted at Sheffield University in England and published in 2006. 241 patients participated, and even a short course of acupuncture had long-term effects on the pain of many of the patients. The majority had just ten treatments over a three-month period, and they reported experiencing less pain than before even two years after they had discontinued treatments. Many of them reported that they no longer needed pain medications.

A study conducted in Beijing, China in 1994 reported that 98.3% of the 56 patients in the study experienced substantial relief from chronic lower back pain.

Unfortunately, acupuncture is often the last resort for people. They try massage therapists, their family doctor, pain medications, muscle relaxers, chiropractors, physical therapists, and even hypnotherapists before they try acupuncture. This is sometimes due to the fear of needles because they don’t realize that the needles are inserted so superficially into the skin that they are usually barely felt. If there is any pain at all, it is very minor.

As a result of this fear or lack of understanding of the effectiveness of acupuncture, people who have chronic pain often feel trapped in hopelessness for years. In one example, a client presented with chronic pain after open heart surgery. He thought there was nothing that could be done to relieve his suffering because he had tried almost everything. When he finally tried acupuncture, he found relief that he had not believed possible.

Acupuncture Combined With Other Treatments

Of course, acupuncture treatments, along with massage treatments, nutritional counseling, and Chinese herbs, are a great combination. They work well together to assist the body in achieving balance and healing. Coupled with Chinese herbs to address other health issues that might be contributing to the pain condition, as well as nutritional suggestions from a knowledgeable practitioner, you have the opportunity to potentially alleviate your pain entirely.

While massage can address muscular aches and pains, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can also address other conditions that may cause or contribute to pain, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, menstrual cramps and PMS, migraines, IBS, TMJ, and more.

Therefore, for best results, choose a practitioner who is versed in herbology and nutrition, as well as acupuncture.

If you or a loved one suffer from chronic pain and live in the St. Paul/Minneapolis Twin Cities area be sure to click on this link to sign up for our newsletter to learn more Minneapolis Acupuncture Pain Relief . Or call Ann or Jackie now at 612-866-4000 for more information about how you can end chronic pain and suffering.

Acupuncture Reduces Pain

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:57:57 +0000

That acupuncture benefits patients with pain would have come as no surprise to the father of modern medicine, Sir William Osler, who practiced acupuncture over half a century before Chairman Mao and the “new” Traditional Chinese Medicine. Near the end of the 19th century, Osler wrote in his most famous work, “The Principles and Practice of Medicine” (1892) that acupuncture for acute back pain provided “the most efficient treatment.” In addition to lumbago, Osler suggested acupuncture for sciatica and neuralgia.

Following in the footsteps of physiologist and physician Sydney Ringer, Osler wrote, “In many instances the relief is immediate, and I can corroborate fully the statements of Ringer, who taught me this practice, as to its extraordinary and prompt efficacy in many instances.”

A 2009 study by the Mayo Clinic indicated that acupuncture showed a much larger effect on the ultimate neurologic recovery from acute spinal cord injury than any pharmacologic intervention to date. It’s hard to ignore the value and safety of acupuncture treatment for patients with disk disease.

A British study found that acupuncture provides a less expensive way of easing lower back pain in the long-term. Patients who received 10 sessions of acupuncture said they had less pain at a two-year follow-up, when compared with those who did not get the treatment. Study co-author Hugh MacPherson, Ph.D., said, “Acupuncture definitely has a role in the treatment of low back pain….and it seems to be associated with longer-term effects than anyone has realized.” He says the ancient Chinese therapy has proven it can be used with traditional therapies for back pain. Researchers analyzed 33 studies and concluded that acupuncture was an effective treatment for lower back pain. Eric Manheimer, at the University of Maryland, said, “Our analysis suggested that the benefits of acupuncture for low back pain are NOT due to a placebo effect.”

Learn how acupuncture can eliminate your pain and improve other health problems. Call our Minneapolis Acupuncture clinic at 612-866-4000 or visit www.orientalmedcare.com.

Can Acupuncture Help Your Back Pain?

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:56:53 +0000

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It is one of the most frequent causes of missed workdays and one of the most expensive conditions in the United States; according to a recent government report nearly one million people in the U.S. took time away from work to treat and recover from some sort of back pain.

Back problems can be caused by an inordinately wide range of problems. It can exist alone, or it can be caused by a condition that occurs elsewhere in the body, with the pain being transmitted (referred) to areas of the back by the nervous system. The majority of backache sufferers complain of pain in the lower back; the second most common site of discomfort is the base of the neck.

Who Suffers From Back Pain?

Half of all adults will experience some form of low back pain during their lifetime. The fact that humans walk upright puts great pressure on the spine and the muscles that support it. Over time, factors such as disease, accidents, poor posture and overexertion can lead to immediate and/or long-term back problems.

Most back pain is muscular in nature. Muscle pain perpetuates what is known as the pain cycle, a phenomenon of which the back is particularly susceptible. In the pain cycle, pain causes a muscle to spasm, which may distort the discs, joints and nerves of the spine. This spasm leads to further pain, leading to further spasm, which compounds the original problem. If the nerves are irritated enough, it may cause pain to radiate down into the leg, similar to pain experienced via a herniated disc.

In most cases, people who experience an episode of acute back pain will recover in 3-12 weeks. For those who don’t recover, however, chronic back pain can be a significant source of inconvenience and suffering.

What Can Acupuncture Do For You?

Acupuncture plays a vital role in the reduction or elimination of back pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing.

Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and promote the production of natural endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.

By reducing acute back pain, acupuncture can also reduce the chances of chronic back pain from occurring. It can help avoid the need for costlier and more invasive surgical procedures. And if back pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other medications that can either cause unwanted side-effects or prolong a patient’s condition. To schedule your appointment for a pain free back call our Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic at 612-866-4000 TODAY or visit http://www.orientalmedcare.com/ .

How To Choose An Acupuncturist

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:09:16 +0000

Did you know that not all acupuncturists are not the same? Yes, it’s true. Selecting the right acupuncturist to treat your health problems is an important decision that can either make your acupuncture a success or turn it into a disaster. The sad fact is that there are people who go out and take a few weekend courses on acupuncture, buy some needles and themselves “acupuncturists.” This is like someone buying a stethoscope and calling himself a doctor! In the state of Minnesota it is sadly legal for chiropractors to take only 100 hours of training in acupuncture. (They are not allowed to used the term “acupuncturist”) Would you get brain surgery from someone who had just a weekend of training?

Many people ask, “How do I select an acupuncturist?” “Aren’t they all the same?” The fact is that each acupuncturist is unique and, like in any other profession, there are acupuncturists who are great, some who are good, some mediocre and some who should never be allowed to work!

First, your might want to call a L.Ac. (“licensed As an acupuncturist”) who is a full-time acupuncturist and has had years of experience. Why? The answer is simple: You can relax and rest assured that your acupuncturist had the superior training and experience (instead of a recent graduate) to do what it takes. You want to make sure your acupuncture is done right. That it solves your health problem instead of creating another one.

Then there is the issue of patients going to so-called ‘medical acupuncturists’ instead of selecting treatment by fully licensed acupuncture practitioners. The 4 year L.Ac (Licensed Acupuncturist) qualification requires over 3,000 hours of intense study and research. The ‘medical’ acupuncturists are ‘certified’ after only 220 hours of study, some of which is home study without the benefit of the tutoring of experienced acupuncturists. Indeed, in some US states, medical acupuncturists require as little as 100 hours of training before practicing acupuncture.

Zhu Dan Xi, a spokesperson for MedicalAcupunctureFacts.com said the value of the L.Ac qualification should not be underestimated, and patients should be aware of the potential dangers of receiving treatment from an unlicensed practitioner.

“We hear horror stories on a daily basis from patients undergoing treatment from medical acupuncturists, which just further underpins our belief that 100-200 hours of training simply isn’t enough. In the same way you wouldn’t trust a so-called doctor with 100 hours training, we believe you shouldn’t trust so-called medical acupuncturists either. These practices create a negative perception of acupuncture, and destroy the confidence of patients in what is truly a remarkable healing practice.”

“As a result of the lack of training of ‘medical’ acupuncturists, we’ve seen a rise in recent years in the levels of bad feeling towards acupuncture, with frequent claims of painful and uncomfortable treatments which have little healing effect. As any L.Ac licensed practitioner will testify, this couldn’t be further from the truth with well-executed acupuncture treatments, which can have a dramatic impact on health and wellbeing.”

Make sure your acupuncturist has experience treating your specific problem. You wouldn’t go to a fertility expert to treat your chronic pain. Go to www.orientalmedcare.com to review the many health problems we treat at our Minneapolis clinic.

Announcing Introduction to Tai Chi for Back and Neck Pain

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:56:28 +0000

Tai Chi/ Qigong Class

Stiff Back and Shoulders? Low Energy and Fatigue? No Problem!

Do you suffer from fatigue, stress, and a stiff back? Then you might be excited to learn about a NEW introductory one hour class coming up very quickly.

On Saturday, March 7th you will discover how to rejuvenate yourself easily on a daily basis with Tai Chi exercises and breathing movements that relieve back and neck pain.

Learn how these dynamic exercises will enhance your life energy according to Chinese medicine principles. Join us at Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W Burnsville Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337 on Saturday, March 7th at 11am. Cost is only $15.

Call 952-707-4110 today to register. Or see http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html
About the Instructor: For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, herbalist and Oriental bodywork therapist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Read new articles at www.orientalmedcare.com about how Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will enhance your life.
We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times by getting them feeling better fast! We are also here to help you STAY feeling better and looking younger! Don’t be a stranger. Call us, and we will assist you in putting together a customized preventative maintenance plan. It’s not an expensive luxury anymore! With our affordable fees, it’s less expensive than you think! You really can afford Acupuncture care!

Can Chinese Exercise Improve Your Health?

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:14:22 +0000

When you think of exercise you might think of lifting weights or running. However Chinese exercise is different. It builds up your vital life energy naturally.

Let’s look at some of the origins of Chinese exercise. Hua Tuo (110-207 CE), a famous highly-skilled doctor of the Eastern Han Dynasty in China is credited with devising Chinese exercise to improve health. Hua Tuo was born into a poor family. His father died when he was only 7 years old. So he had to help support his family at a very early age. He started out working in an herbal pharmacy. Later in life as a doctor he created therapies and body-building methods that are of great significance in Chinese medical history. He invented herbal anesthesia. He discovered at special set of acupuncture points called the Hua Tuo Jia Jie. Hua Tuo was respectfully called “Originator of Surgery” by later generations. He was truly on the same level as Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. Working as a Chinese doctor he observed that people needed exercise to be healthy. He developed Qigong exercises that mimicked the movements of animals. People still practice these exercises today.

This Fall you can learn Qi Gong exercises that utilize the movement of animals and nature to enhance your health. Join us to discover Medical Yin/Yang Qi Gong exercises and breathing movements that relieve stress and boost your energy. These are practiced to maintain health, promote longevity, quiet the mind, and prevent or treat illness. You also will learn:

Tai Chi for Neck and Back Pain…exercises to strengthen your body and prevent neck and back pain. These exercises are gentle and require no extra equipment. Enhance your balance, posture and cardiovascular functions. Tai Chi is gentle and easy enough to do in business clothes at the office. Recent studies show that it can provide as much cardiovascular benefit as moderate impact aerobics. You can learn to prevent pain before it happens.

When: Saturday; September 27, 2008; 10am-5:30pm
Where to go: Days Inn University, 2407 University Ave S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55414. Cost: Early Bird Special only $135 (before August 31st), PLUS receive a free HPA T-Shirt (with beautiful Chinese calligraphy, a $24 value) and FREE lunch ($15 value). $165 (after August 31st). Seniors (65 and older) 10% discount
To Register: Purchase on line now at http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong.html . For more information, call 612-866-4000. DVD’s and CD’s will be available for purchase at the workshop. Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.

Steven Sonmore, L.Ac, OBT, has 20 years professional experience in the healing arts, and is a licensed acupuncturist, Qi Gong instructor, an Oriental bodywork therapist, and herbalist. His health articles have been featured in Qi Journal, Essential Wellness News, the Phoenix Newspaper and many more.