I started having back pains a few years ago. The kind that shoot down your leg and make it difficult to walk. The doctors first tried physical therapy and I tried some Chiropractors on my own and nothing seemed to help. I would have occasional relief, but it always seemed to come back. The next thing the doctors did was send me for an MRI. This showed that I had a herniated disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. Their first solution was to inject cortisone into my spine and that's when I started looking for alternatives. I had heard that many people would get these injections that would cover up the pain for a while but then later on they would end up injuring themselves further.

One day, my back tensed up worse than before and I could not stand straight up. Any of you who have had back pain will be able to relate to this: I had to walk stooped over a little bit and every time I extended my left leg it pinched the nerve and made every step painful. I got pretty good at swinging my hips and stepping out instead of stepping forward to minimize that pain, but it was time to do something.

A friend of mine had had some acupuncture done before and I decided to give it a try. I walked in, in pain, and walked out standing straight up and walking normal. I was sold. If acupuncture is done right, it is very relaxing and at times I have almost fallen asleep during a session. Please note that acupuncture is actually good for treating many types of aches and pains, not just back pain.

Here is what you can expect from an acupuncture session: You can typically get undressed to a level you are comfortable with. The acupuncturist will then place needles in specific points on your body depending upon your problem areas. These points may or may not be anywhere near your pain. For example, during my sessions for back pain, the acupuncturist has placed needles in my hands, feet, legs and back. The needles they use are very small and each one is individually sealed. Many people may tell you that the needles don't hurt at all, and most of the time that is true. Occasionally, a needle will find a hot spot and it can feel like a fire. Just let the acupuncturist know if it is beyond uncomfortable pain.

Sometimes these hot spots will lead to greater pain relief later on. During my first few sessions for my back pain, my worst hot spot was my right hand; it hurt about as bad as my back did earlier. However, I can walk upright and deal with pain in my hand; not with it my back. I was able to massage my hand and work out the pain so it was definitely worth it. After the needles are in, the acupuncturist will leave and let you relax for 20 to 30 minutes. Depending upon your acupuncturist, they may apply herbs or heat the needles slightly or give a slight twist to the needle. Then the needles come out. You will have to fight the urge to tighten up when they are pulling the needles out. It is better to relax as much as possible and not think about it. Some acupuncturists may also give a slight massage with the acupuncture.

So how am I doing now? Well, it has been over 5 years now, I think, and I never had to have a cortisone shot and never even thought about any kind of surgery. I still have occasional pain and have actually found a Chiropractor that is also a licensed acupuncture provider. He has a table that applies negative pressure to the discs in the spine and helps alleviate any associated pain. I still receive an occasional acupuncture treatment from him as well. Please note that I do not like "cracking" and my chiropractor has not "adjusted" my spine, only stretched it. I think the key to a healthy back with a herniated disc is to provide yourself with the ability to stretch out and strengthen your back without pain. Acupuncture and specific chiropractic treatments can be the way you accomplish this.

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