Lower Back Pain-Related Muscles & How Acupuncture Helps
🔹 Key Muscles Involved in Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is often caused by muscle strain, tension, or imbalances. The main muscles involved include:
1️⃣ Erector Spinae – Supports the spine and helps with bending and posture.
2️⃣ Quadratus Lumborum (QL) – A deep muscle that stabilizes and moves the lower spine.
3️⃣ Gluteus Medius & Maximus – Weakness here can lead to lower back compensation.
4️⃣ Iliopsoas (Psoas Major & Iliacus) – Tightness can pull on the lower spine, causing pain.
5️⃣ Latissimus Dorsi – Connects the upper and lower body, affecting posture.
6️⃣ Piriformis – Can contribute to sciatic nerve compression, causing radiating pain.
☯ How Acupuncture Helps with Lower Back Pain
Acupuncture, a core practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), works by stimulating specific points to reduce pain, relax muscles, and restore energy flow (Qi).
✔ Releases Muscle Tension & Spasms – Acupuncture relaxes tight muscles like the QL, Erector Spinae, and Piriformis.
✔ Reduces Inflammation – Stimulates the body’s anti-inflammatory response, reducing swelling.
✔ Improves Blood Circulation – Increases oxygen and nutrient supply to damaged muscles.
✔ Releases Endorphins – The body’s natural painkillers, helping relieve discomfort.
✔ Balances Qi & Organ Health – Strengthens the Kidney and Liver meridians, which govern the lower back in TCM.
🔹 Common Acupuncture Points for Lower Back Pain
1️⃣ BL-23 (Shenshu, Kidney Shu) – Strengthens the Kidneys, and supports the lower back.
2️⃣ BL-40 (Weizhong, Middle of the Crook) – Treats back pain and sciatica.
3️⃣ GB-30 (Huantiao, Jumping Circle) – Relieves sciatic nerve pain and hip tension.
4️⃣ DU-4 (Mingmen, Gate of Life) – Warms Yang's energy and strengthens the spine.
5️⃣ BL-60 (Kunlun, Kunlun Mountains) – Releases tension along the spine.
6️⃣ LI-4 (Hegu, Joining Valley) – General pain relief, boosts circulation.
🔹 Additional TCM Treatments for Lower Back Pain
🌿 Herbal Medicine – Du Huo, Gou Ji, and Eucommia Bark help strengthen the lower back.
🔥 Cupping Therapy – Improves circulation and relaxes muscle stiffness.
🌡 Moxibustion (Moxa) – Warms and strengthens lower back Qi.
🧘♂️ Qigong & Tai Chi – Helps strengthen the core and improve flexibility.
📝 Summary
- Lower back pain often involves the Erector spine, Quadratus Lumborum, Iliopsoas, and Glute muscles.
- Acupuncture relaxes muscles, reduces pain, improves circulation, and restores Qi balance.
- Key acupuncture points: BL-23, BL-40, GB-30, DU-4, BL-60, LI-4.
- Complementary TCM therapies: Herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and Qigong.
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