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Back pain is a common condition in the UK, affecting about one in three people. This usually affects the lower back. Lower back pain usually disappears in four to six weeks, but chronic lower back pain can last for months or even years. There is however hope for people suffering from chronic back pain.
A recent study published in Pain Medicine found that acupressure, a technique of traditional Chinese medicine, can improve the symptoms of chronic pain in the lower back.
"Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of needles, the pressure is applied with a finger, an inch, or a device to specific points on the body," said Susan Murphy. ScD, OTR, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Michigan Medicine. lead author of the study.
Murphy stated that, although acupressure had already been studied – and found to be beneficial – in people suffering from pain related to cancer or osteoarthritis, few studies have examined acupressure in people with back pain.
As part of the study, the research team randomly divided 67 participants with chronic low back pain into three groups: relaxing acupressure, stimulating acupressure or usual care.
"It is thought that relaxing acupressure is effective at reducing insomnia, while stimulating acupressure is effective at reducing fatigue," Murphy said.
Participants in the acupressure groups were trained in acupressure on certain points of the body and spent between 27 and 30 minutes a day, for six weeks, performing the technique.
Participants in the usual care group were asked to continue all the treatments they were currently receiving from their caregivers to manage their back pain and fatigue.
"Compared to the usual care group, we found that people who performed stimulating acupressure felt an improvement in pain and fatigue and those who performed a relaxing relaxation felt that their pain was noticeable. was improved after six weeks, "Murphy said.
"We did not see any difference between groups in terms of sleep quality or disability after six weeks," she added.
Murphy has noted that chronic pain is difficult to manage and that sufferers tend to have additional symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disorders and depression.
"Better treatments are needed for chronic pain.Most of the treatments offered are drugs that have side effects and can, in some cases, increase the risk of abuse and dependence," Murphy said.
She added, "We also recommend additional studies on the different types of acupressure and how they could more specifically be targeted to patients based on their symptoms."
According to Bupa, the other tips for relieving pain in the lower back are:
- Stay active and continue your daily activities as normally as you can. However, do not forget to pay attention when lifting or turning your back. Doctors advised bed rest, but now we know that it can make back pain worse. Try to avoid sitting for long periods of time.
- Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen) to relieve pain. Paracetamol alone probably does not work well against back pain. A person should only take these medications for a short time, not for long-term low back pain.
- Try to apply heat or cold treatments. A person should apply ice directly to the skin.
- It can be useful to sleep with a small cushion between the knees. If a person can, she should sleep on her side or with firm pillows under her knees if she sleeps on her back.
People can also ask for psychological support. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help people understand their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and change the way they respond to pain, Bupa said.
"You can also find some useful relaxation techniques. These may include simple techniques such as breathing exercises, "he adds.
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