Living with low back pain can affect every aspect of your daily life, and it is a common complaint among Veterans and the general population. Research shows that movement is essential for reducing most low back pain and can be the key to recovery. But how does one get over that it can be difficult to move when it hurts?!
A simple acupressure routine may provide just enough pain relief to allow that healing movement to take place, and it may relieve low back pain and muscle tightness that often accompanies pain. Your hands will become more sensitive as you practice acupressure, which allows you to notice as the tightness in your back muscles relax.
Acupressure is thousands of years old and is considered safe to be done with your usual medical care for low back pain. These acupressure points are useful when your pain is worse and during times when back pain is less bothersome, but still there. Using acupressure more regularly may lead to better results. Press these points several times a day when your back is hurting and see if you find relief.
Join Licensed Acupuncturist Stephanie Gregory from the Portland VA Medical Center in a self-care acupressure session for low back pain. This acupressure routine is not intended to replace your usual medical care. However, this self-care skill can be taken with you anywhere and may be useful to reduce your symptoms.
Click here to download a handout to accompany the video above.
More information
Some Veterans have found relief of low back pain by practicing different complementary and integrative health techniques, such as acupressure, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and massage therapy. Learn more about these treatment approaches in VA here: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/professional-resources/clinician-tools/cih.asp.
Check out VA resources and interactive tools that can take you to the next step in your Whole Health journey. Get started here: va.gov/WholeHealth.
Stephanie Gregory, LAc, Laurieanne Nabinger, RN, LEAMP, Sharon M. Weinstein, MD, MT, Juli Olson, DC, DACM
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The Acupressure video was very helpful in the relief of my back pain and using an ointment along with the process and thank you for the ” Live Whole Heath” videos.