80% of Irish Adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives – many suffer in silence.

Anyone that has ever suffered with back pain knows just how debilitating it can be. Not being able to stay in the same position too long, missing out on work and activities, mood swings as a result of living with constant pain. Back pain is the most commonly reported chronic pain in Ireland – it is expected that 80% of Irish adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Herniated, bulging or degrading discs can cause the nerve to become ‘trapped’ as the space between bones and surrounding muscles of the spine narrows. The trapped nerve then sends signals to the brain that nearby or lower body parts are in pain. Often too, a muscle spasm or strain can cause the same symptoms. Many people now are finding themselves with a gradual onset of back pain thanks to poor posture as they are working from home at their kitchen tables. Ideally, the keyboard should be at elbow level, the screen at eye level and it should be easy to touch the computer screen while sitting with up straight. Changes in body shape during pregnancy can have a similar effect as new pressures are put on the tissues around the spine. But the good news is that mild cases can resolve within a few weeks with rest and attention to posture, but more severe cases need help to resolve. Acupuncture, and sometimes cupping or moxibustion, helps relieve the pressure on the nerve and eliminate the pain. For many people, a few sessions of acupuncture will eliminate the pain and numbness. For others, after an initial course of treatment, a monthly session helps keep the condition managed. I have dealt with many cases of back pain and sciatica where patients are at their wits end, some even nauseous from taking painkillers and anti-inflammatories that may or may not be helping. After diagnosis I tailor a course of treatment specific to the patient to achieve the best possible outcome. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction seeing the spring in the patients step restored and having them report that their pain is greatly reduced or eliminated altogether after a few treatments. If you find yourself suffering with back pain, there may be a way to ease your symptoms or fix the problem completely. I’m always happy to help, so feel free to pick up the phone (0864059898) or send me an email (admin@roryryanacupuncture.ie).