Can acupuncture treat back pain?

Acupuncture has relatively good evidence in the literature for treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain. Several studies show that it can work better than ususal care which includes medications or physical therapy. Interestingly, randomized controlled trials did not show acupuncture to be superior to a sham acupuncture procedure. Acupuncture treatments usually consist of weekly visits, and it may take up to 5 session before noticing a benefit. Because of the out-of-pocket expense, acupuncture is often not the first line of treatment for low back pain. Patients I treat have usually failed all other treatments. Despite this, I am still able to get some results in this difficult population. Due to its good safety profile and minimally invasive nature, I think acupuncture is a good option for anyone that wants to try a more alternative approach to low back pain.

By: Chi- Tsai Tang, MD

Read more about Dr. Tang at: http://ortho.wustl.edu/content/Patient-Care/2717/FIND-A-PHYSICIAN/Listing-of-Faculty/Chi-Tsai-Tang-MD/Bio.aspx

Modern Acupuncture

The use of acupuncture was first documented more than 2000 years ago. During the 6th century, improved transportation within Asia led to Chinese medicine spreading across Asia. Today, acupuncture remains a crucial part of the Japanese and Chinese health care system, offered alongside modern medicine. Acupuncture began to gain western attention after President Nixon visited China in 1972 where he witnessed acupuncture being performed. Today in America, acupuncture has grown into a common form of pain managemnt in may clinics and hospitals. It is estimated that 15 million Americans or roughly 6 % of the American population, has visited an acupuncturist for a variety of symptoms including chronic pain, fatigue, nasea, arthritis and digestive problems. In 1995, the FDA classified acupuncture needles as medical instruments and assured their effectiveness. Then in 1997, the NIH recommended that insurance companies begin to provide full coverage for the treatment of certain conditions using acupuncture.

Dr. Tang, a physiatrist, uses medical acupuncture to treat different forms of pain.
You can request an appointment online here: http://ortho.wustl.edu/full/forms/MakeAnAppt.aspx

Acupuncture as a form of treatment

The most common condition I treat with acupuncture is probably chronic lower back pain that has been unresponsive to other treatments, and the most common diagnosis is spinal stenosis. Acupuncture ends up providing some benefit for about half of these patients. Acupuncture is also useful for numerous other conditions such as neck pain, myofascial (muscle related) pain, stress related conditions, headaches, and knee and hip pain due to arthritis. I am also personally interested in using acupuncture to treat sports-related injuries.

By: Chi- Tsai Tang, MD

Orthopedic Spine Center in Chesterfield offers non-operative treatment for back pain

The Washington University Orthopedic Spine Center in Chesterfield was featured on the cover of the May 27th Ladue News.

The Washington University Orthopedic Spine Center, conveniently located at the Outpatient Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield, provides comprehensive, specialized care to patients with acute back pain and neck pain. Appointments are given within 48 hours of your inital phone call (314-514-3500), because we understand that acute back pain cannot wait a week. Non-surgical treatment modalities are offered, including medications, physical therapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, bracing and injections. At the Orthopedic Spine Center, surgery is a last resort.