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Pain
How to Treat GTPS With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac. Ph.d. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Chronic pain in your outer hip? Hip pain when lying on your side? This can be a sign of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), or gluteal tendinopathy. Acupuncture treatment can help relieve lateral hip pain due to GTPS, hip bursitis, and gluteal tendinopathy.
Lateral hip pain is a common problem, particularly for women over 40. In some cases, hip pain can be related to perimenopause and menopause, as changes in estrogen levels trigger inflammation in the tendons, causing tendinitis (inflammation or irritation of a tendon) or tendinopathy (general degeneration of a tendon that causes pain and swelling).
Bursitis can also be a common cause of hip pain. Bursa are small sacs of fluid that provide cushioning in the joints. When bursae (plural) become inflamed and stiff, it causes pain and swelling in the area.
What is GTPS?
The term “greater trochanteric pain syndrome” is a general way to refer to any discomfort or pain in the outer hip and thigh area that is caused by tendinitis, gluteal tendinopathy, bursitis, IT band problems, or trauma/injury to this area. Other types of hip pain can include: sciatica.
The greater trochanter is the rounded, bulbous part of the hip bone that juts out to the side; when you lie on your side, your weight is partially balanced on that bone.
The gluteal muscles (gluteus maximus and gluteus medius) are attached to this bone by tendons; these muscles and tendons are largely responsible for the movement and stabilization of the hip joint.
The loss of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause can weaken tendons, which have estrogen receptors. The hips abductor muscles can also become weaker, which puts extra stress on the tendons to keep the hip joint stable. When the chronic pain and tenderness leads to women reducing their physical activity, the whole problem can become worse.
Strengthening the muscles and tendons with the right exercise is crucial for keeping the hip joint stable and pain-free. Reducing hip pain and inflammation with acupuncture and TCM can help you feel better and return to your strength training and walking routines.
GTPS Symptoms
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is chronic and can change over time. The pain might be sharp and come on suddenly, or build up slowly over time.
Symptoms of GTPS include:
- Chronic hip pain or soreness of the outer hip area
- Pain that radiates from the hip to the buttocks, low back pain, or thigh
- Pain that is pronounced when you lie on your side, or sleep disrupted by hip pain
- Numbness in the hip and thigh area
- Swelling in the hip and thigh area
What does GTPS pain feel like? This type of persistent hip pain can feel like a deep ache in the hip joint, a general tenderness just under the skin, or a sharp pain when you put weight on the affected leg.
The pain may be particularly triggered when you stand for long periods of time, sit with your legs crossed, or climb stairs.
Treatment for GTPS
Generally, GTPS, hip bursitis, and gluteal tendinopathy are considered to be problems with the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and bursae) in and around the hip joint that will eventually improve on their own.
The goal of most treatments is to reduce pain symptoms, while making conservative modifications (like changing the way you stand or your sleep position) and engaging in gentle exercise. Recovery from this type of hip pain may take months.
Pain remedies such as icing, heat, massage, over the counter pain medications and anti-inflammatories may be recommended, as well as corticosteroid injections.
Acupuncture and TCM offer a way to help reduce pain and inflammation without side effects.
Can Acupuncture Help GTPS?
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for pain of all kinds, due to its effect on the secretion of natural peptides in the body that reduce pain.
A review of studies concluded the acupuncture treatment for hip pain produced significant benefits compared to conventional treatment alone and combined treatments.
According to TCM theory, problems with painful, stiff tendons are considered a type of Bi Syndrome. Bi Syndromes are obstructions of Qi in the body that are caused by invasion of wind, cold and dampness. This type of invasion can happen due to external factors like weather, habits that expose you to cold and dampness, overuse or repetitive motions of the joints the weaken the tissues, underlying deficiencies in nutrition or specific organ systems, or even emotional issues that can block or deplete your energy.
Acupuncture treatment helps by improving blood flow to the area to nourish soft tissues and help relieve stiffness and improve flexibility. Based on the overall type of Bi Syndrome that is observed in a person’s symptoms, the acupuncture practitioner will choose acupoints along the affected meridians to help bring Qi and blood to the painful area, and the organ systems that are underlying causes of the blockage.
Herbs that strengthen and tonify the organs and tissues will also be prescribed.
Cupping is another TCM healing modality that can reduce muscle tension and improve the body’s natural ability to heal the tissues. Moxibusion can bring warmth, reducing pathogenic cold and dampness.
TCM and acupuncture also work on a hormonal level to help relieve tendinopathy pain. Balancing estrogen levels can help to keep the soft tissues supple and relieve muscle tension and pain in the tendons. Many women going through perimenopause and menopause can find relief from their symptoms, not only of joint pain, but sleep problems, vasomotor symptoms, itchiness, and more, through acupuncture treatment and herbs.
Acupuncture Near Me for GTPS in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles
Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai at Art of Wellness Acupuncture and TCM in Brentwood have over 35 years of experience in both TCM and Western medicine, helping people find relief from pain. While both doctors treat all types of conditions, Dr. Tan specializes in pain management and orthopedic issues, while Dr. Cai specializes in women’s health and hormones. If you or someone you love has been suffering with hip pain, do not hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a consultation. Relief from hip soreness is possible through a series of acupuncture treatments.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
Acupuncture for Sciatica Pain
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac.
Sharp, burning pain in the buttocks that radiates down the leg? Low back pain and hip pain? These can be signs of sciatica, or nerve pain due to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Acupuncture treatment can help relieve sciatic pain and promote nerve healing.
What is “sciatica?” Sciatica refers to the variety of symptoms that can arise when the sciatic nerve is irritated, due to injury, inflammation, or pinching of the nerve. These symptoms can include:
- Low back pain
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the buttocks
- Nerve pain radiating down the leg
- Pain occurs with bending over or lifting legs
- Tingling or numbness, “pins and needles” sensation in the back, buttocks, leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the leg
- “Foot drop” or dragging of foot when you walk
- In severe cases, urinary incontinence
When we say “sciatic nerve,” we are actually referring to two thick bundles of nerves that branch out of the base of the spinal cord and then run through the buttocks and down the legs. These nerves carry signals from the brain to the extremities, allowing you to make voluntary movements and communicating when there is pain or dysfunction.
Nerve pain or tingling sensations can occur at any point along the sciatic nerve bundle and tend to come and go, depending on your activity. The symptoms usually only show up on one side of the body.
Most people who experience symptoms of sciatica will find that they go away in a matter of weeks or months. In the meantime, though, sciatica pain can have a seriously negative impact on your daily life. Sciatica pain can be severe at times, affecting your motivation and ability to partake in your usual physical activities and even impacting your mental health.
Unfortunately, some people will develop chronic sciatica that can persist for months or even years. That is why it is best to address sciatic pain and not ignore it. If there are deeper problems contributing to inflammation or causing nerve damage, they need to be found and addressed.
Acupuncture treatment can help relieve sciatica pain and sensations of numbness and facilitate recovery.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatic nerve pain can be caused by a variety of factors or health conditions. In some cases “true sciatica” is caused by damage to or compression of the sciatic nerve. In other cases, the pain might be stemming from something else, such as piriformis syndrome, spinal disk problems, or stenosis, causing inflammation around the nerve bundle that causes pinching or compression.
Often sciatic pain develops due to improper form when lifting weight, repetitive stress from performing a task that requires bending or awkward positioning of the body, or a lack of core strength that puts too much stress on your low back when you lift something.
Some causes of sciatica include:
- Pregnancy can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Osteoarthritis can damage the discs and/or cartilage in the spine
- Peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis, or lumbar stenosis
- Bone spurs on the spine
- In rare cases, a tumor in the spine
Conventional Treatment for Sciatica
Generally, when you see your medical doctor for help with sciatic pain, the initial exam and treatment protocols will be conservative. Because imaging (x-ray, ultrasound or MRI) is not particularly helpful for showing nerve damage or impingement, typically doctors will wait to do this until the condition has gone on for more than a few months, and will be looking for herniated disks or other spinal issues.
Typical recommendations for sciatica will involve taking NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory pain medications), and using basic home remedies like cold packs and heating pads. Massage therapy may be helpful, and you might be referred to a physical therapist, who can offer some gentle exercises and stretches that may help.
If these recommendations do not help, next steps for treatment of sciatica pain may involve steroid injections or nerve root blocks, other medications, such as muscle relaxers, certain antidepressants that are known to help with nerve pain, oral corticosteroids, or opioid pain medications.
In severe, chronic cases, where the pain is related to herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs, surgery may be suggested.
Acupuncture treatment, when used as an alternative or adjunct therapy for sciatica, can help relieve pain symptoms.
Can Acupuncture Help Sciatica?
Modern science has now been able to prove what TCM practitioners and patients have known for many centuries; acupuncture has an analgesic effect. The insertion of thin needles at specific points along the meridians can help reduce painful sensations, reduce inflammation, and help relax muscle contractions.
In fact, acupuncture is not only highly effective for the treatment of many different types of pain; it is also safer than use of pain medications, as it has no unwanted side effects.
According to TCM theory, sciatica pain is usually considered to arise due to imbalances affecting either the gallbladder (Shaoyang) meridian or the bladder (Taiyang) meridian. The presentation of pain, tingling or heaviness on one side lets the acupuncture practitioner know which meridian and system to address.
One study looked at patients who had been experiencing sciatica leg pain for at least three months due to herniated disks, but had not had surgery and were not scheduled to have surgery. Some were given ten acupuncture treatment sessions over the course of four weeks, while others were given “sham” acupuncture. (This is the control system for many studies involving acupuncture treatment.)
After two weeks, the patients who were receiving acupuncture were already reporting a significant reduction in pain and disability. At four weeks, they reported even greater improvement. At followups after 26 weeks, and a full year, the patients who had received acupuncture treatment reported continued benefits.
A systematic review of 11 clinical trials studying acupuncture treatment for sciatica found that acupuncture and acupuncture with medication were both more effective for reducing severity of pain symptoms over medication alone, and that acupuncture treatment had fewer negative side effects than taking pain medication.
Tuina massage is another TCM therapy that can help relieve low back pain or leg pain. In some cases, your acupuncture practitioner may also provide this traditional healing massage. Topical Chinese herbal analgesics, such as liniment or herbal patches may also be recommended.
Acupuncture Near Me for Sciatica in West Los Angeles
Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai of Art of Wellness Acupuncture on the Westside of Los Angeles have been treating patients for pain conditions for over 35 years. They draw upon a wealth of knowledge and experience in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine and are able to create an individualized treatment protocol for each patient. If you or someone you know has been suffering with low back pain, leg pain, tingling and numbness due to a pinched nerve, repetitive stress, or some other cause, please do not hesitate to reach out to Art of Wellness to schedule a consultation. Relief for sciatica pain through acupuncture treatment can help get back to your normal life again.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Nutcracker Syndrome With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Bloody pee? Left side pain between your ribs and hip bone? Dizziness when you go to stand up? These can all be signs of Nutcracker Syndrome, or a compressed vein on your left side. Acupuncture and TCM can be used as an adjunct treatment for Nutcracker Syndrome to help relieve pain and improve blood flow.
What Is Nutcracker Syndrome?
Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS) is a rare vascular compression disorder that occurs when the left renal vein (LRV) becomes compressed, most commonly between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This compression impedes blood flow from the left kidney, causing increased venous pressure that can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Symptoms of Nutcracker Syndrome
The most common symptoms of NCS include chronic pain in the left flank or abdomen and/or blood in the urine.
Many patients also experience pelvic pain or a feeling of pelvic congestion, especially women during menstruation.
Men may develop a varicocele, a swelling of the veins within the scrotum. Other symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, orthostatic intolerance (feeling lightheaded upon standing), and in some cases, headaches resulting from spinal vein congestion.
The most common signs of Nutcracker Syndrome include:
- Chronic left-sided flank or abdominal pain
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
- Pelvic pain or congestion, often worsening with standing or during menstruation
- Varicocele in men
- Fatigue, occasional dizziness or syncope
- Orthostatic intolerance (lightheadedness upon standing)
- Headache
Because these symptoms can be non-specific and vary in intensity, NCS is often difficult to diagnose.
How Is Nutcracker Syndrome Treated?
Diagnosis of Nutcracker syndrome usually begins with imaging studies. A Doppler ultrasound is often used as an initial screening tool because it is non-invasive and effective at detecting abnormalities in blood flow. More detailed imaging with CT or MRI scans can confirm the compression of the renal vein and rule out other potential causes. In some cases, venography with pressure measurements is necessary to definitively diagnose NCS, as it can directly measure the pressure gradient across the compressed vein.
In Western medicine, treatment options for NCS depend largely on the severity of symptoms. For mild or moderate cases, especially in children and adolescents, conservative treatment may be advised. This can include observation, weight gain to alter the angle between the arteries, and medications such as ACE inhibitors to manage blood pressure and reduce proteinuria.
For more severe cases, particularly when quality of life is affected or there is significant hematuria or kidney function compromise, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgical options include transposition of the renal vein, renal autotransplantation, or endovascular stenting. Each of these carries its own risks and benefits, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
While these interventions focus on the anatomical problem, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a complementary approach that addresses the systemic effects of the condition.
Can Acupuncture Help Nutcracker Syndrome?
Acupuncture is widely known for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation, and it has been used effectively to treat symptoms similar to those experienced by NCS patients. Although specific research on acupuncture for NCS is limited, there is growing evidence that acupuncture can help relieve flank pain, regulate blood flow, and improve autonomic function.
According to TCM theory, Nutcracker Syndrome can be understood as a combination of Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and deficiencies in the Kidney and Spleen systems. The Kidney in TCM governs water metabolism and structural integrity, while the Spleen is responsible for transporting fluids and maintaining overall balance in the body. When these systems are out of harmony, blood flow becomes sluggish and can lead to congestion and pain, like the impaired venous drainage seen in NCS.
Treatment with acupuncture typically involves selecting points that invigorate blood circulation, strengthen Kidney and Spleen Qi, and relieve pain.
Moxibustion may also be used to warm the Kidney area and promote circulation. In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine can play a vital role. Customized herbal formulas may be prescribed to address individual patterns and promote healing.
Acupuncture Near Me for Nutcracker Syndrome in West Los Angeles
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture near Santa Monica, we offer a holistic approach to healing. For patients suffering from Nutcracker Syndrome, acupuncture and TCM offer a non-invasive, supportive pathway to symptom management and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your side, hematuria, or other related symptoms and are looking for a natural, integrative approach, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Art of Wellness Acupuncture in West Los Angeles. We are here to help you find relief.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
Plantar Fasciosis Treatment With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Foot arch pain? Ache in the bottom of the foot or heel? This condition has commonly been known as plantar fasciitis, but now more practitioners are calling it “plantar fasciosis.” Acupuncture treatment can help relieve arch and foot pain and get you walking comfortably again.
What Is Plantar Fasciosis?
The plantar fascia ligament connects the heel bone to the toes, spanning the whole bottom of the foot. It absorbs shock every time your foot touches the ground, as you walk.
When this band of connective tissue starts to cause you pain, it’s usually due to overuse, overstretching, or wearing shoes that don’t give you enough support and cushioning.
This condition, which is the most common cause of heel pain and pain in the bottom of the foot, has been called “plantar fasciitis” for some time, because it was believed to be caused by inflammation in the connective tissue. The suffix “-itis” means “inflammation,” as in “tendinitis,” “pancreatitis,” and many other health conditions that are related to inflamed tissues.
If the bottom of the foot shows signs of swelling, warmth, and redness, then it is probably related to inflammation.
However, many cases of plantar fascia pain are not caused by inflammation. Sometimes, arch pain is due to a degenerative condition, in which the tissues are breaking down. Microtears in the connective tissues, or cell death, because of lack of blood flow, are often the real problems causing the pain.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciosis
Arch and foot pain when you first get up in the morning is one of the most common signs of plantar fasciitis or plantar fasciosis. This pain can be sharp and stabbing, or more of a dull ache.
Often, walking or exercise makes the foot feel better for a while, but then, after you sit down and rest, and then get back up, the pain flares up again.
The signs that you may have damage in your plantar fascia include:
- Pain in the heel of your foot
- Sore foot arch or foot arch tenderness
- Stiffness in the foot
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Swelling around the heel
Why Does the Bottom of My Foot Hurt?
Lots of activities can cause damage to the sensitive connective tissue in the bottom of your foot. Some of the causes of plantar fasciosis include:
- Standing for long periods of time
- Working out, dancing, or just walking on a hard surface (like a concrete floor or sidewalk)
- Exercising without stretching or warming up your feet and leg muscles
- Wearing shoes with little support, like sandals or flat sneakers
- Walking around barefoot a lot (even at home)
You might be more susceptible if your arches are very high, or if your feet don’t have much of an arch at all. You may also be at higher risk for foot pain if you are carrying a lot of extra weight.
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciosis.
Plantar Fasciosis Treatment
Typically, a doctor does not even need to perform any special diagnostic testing to conclude that a person is experiencing plantar fasciitis, or “heel spur syndrome.”
A treatment protocol typically includes some stretching exercises, the use of orthotics, OTC pain medications, and possibly corticosteroid injections.
Rest and patience, and a gradual increase of physical activity are usually recommended.
Acupuncture treatment can help by relieving pain and helping to promote healing in the damaged tissues.
Can Acupuncture Help Plantar Fasciosis/Plantar Fasciitis?
TCM takes a holistic approach to treating pain conditions and sports injuries. From the TCM perspective, trauma to the plantar fascia area can lead to stagnation and deficiency in the flow of Qi and blood.
Acupuncture, Tuina massage, and gua sha are all TCM modalities that can help improve blood flow and promote healing.
Pain sensations stem from injury and damage to bodily tissues, but the pain signals themselves are controlled by the central nervous system and brain activity. Acupuncture has been shown to have effects that can calm down this signalling, which can alter how a person experiences feelings of pain.
Medical science is still conducting research to understand how it is that acupuncture treatment works effectively to reduce and relieve pain.
The action and “excitability” of neurons in the hypothalamus are related to pain sensations. It has been suggested that acupuncture treatment may help to change the excitability of the neurons, thus changing the perception of pain.
It has also been suggested that pain in the plantar fascia is related to the activation of trigger points in the muscles of the foot. Electro-acupuncture can help “deactivate” these trigger points to relieve pain.
Acupuncture needling may affect nerve endings in the local area that release vasoactive neuropeptides, which play a key role in blood flow to an area and the release of hormones. It may also reduce electrical activity, or the “twitch” response in muscle tissues.
Acupuncture can also increase the levels of endorphins, serotonin, and noradrenaline released by the body’s own pain relief system, and help to decrease the number of pain signals that are being sent through the central nervous system.
One study compared patients who were given exercises to help with their plantar fasciopathy versus patients who did the exercises and were given acupuncture treatment. The exercise-only group experienced an overall 21% reduction of their pain scores, while the acupuncture group reported a greater than 50% reduction in pain right after the treatments.
How to Help Plantar Fasciosis Pain
Here are a few important tip for how to help heal and prevent foot pain from coming back.
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box and flat heels (not high heels). Be sure to replace your shoes as needed; the cushioning foam in shoes breaks down, even if you haven’t been wearing them often.
- Wearing toe spacers that help create more space around your toes can help by reducing the constriction of blood vessels and getting more blood flow to your whole foot.
- A warm foot bath every night before bedtime, especially with Chinese herbs or Epsom salt, is very helpful for circulation, which is essential for healing damaged connective tissue.
- Warm up properly before your workout, and vary your workouts, so that you are not just engaging in the same repetitive actions every time you exercise.
- Avoid running and walking on concrete surfaces, and avoid exercising outdoors when it is damp, rainy, and cold.
Acupuncture Near Me for Plantar Fasciosis in West Los Angeles
Plantar fasciosis pain can get in the way of your daily exercise routine and make walking painful for months, if you don’t take proper care of it. The right combination of gentle exercise, acupuncture treatment, herbs and nutrition can help you get back to walking normally without pain more quickly. If you are feeling that pain in the bottom of your foot every morning when you get out of bed, please consider coming and seeing Dr. Tan or Dr. Cai to help relieve heel pain.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Lumbar Stenosis With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Lower back lumbar pain? Sciatic pain that radiates down the legs or causes tingling or numbness in the legs? These can be signs of lumbar stenosis, a nerve condition affecting the spinal cord in the lower back. Acupuncture and TCM offer lower back pain treatment for spinal stenosis of the spine.
What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
The lower part of the spine, known as the lumbar region, consists of five vertebrae situated between the ribs and the pelvis. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal has become more narrow over time, compressing the nerves that travel through the lower back and into the legs. This can cause back lumbar pain, or lower back pain.
This condition is similar to cervical radiculopathy, in which compression of nerves in the upper spine cause neck pain and shoulder pain.
Although lumbar stenosis can affect younger individuals due to congenital factors, it is most often seen in people over the age of 60 as a degenerative condition.
Spinal stenosis can be related to a slipped disc in back (also known as a bulging disc in back or herniated disc in back).
As we age, changes in the spine develop gradually over years, even decades. The disks that cushion the vertebrae lose their sponginess, shrink in height, and may bulge into the spinal canal.
Bone spurs can also form, and the spinal ligaments may thicken. These changes are all part of the body’s natural aging process, yet together they can create a narrowing of the central canal. When this narrowing causes inflammation or compression of nerves, it can lead to the symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Top 5 Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Back pain, or what is known as “sciatic pain,” that radiates down the legs, are the most common symptoms of spinal stenosis. The pain is usually most pronounced when standing or walking for long periods of time and feels better when you sit down or bend forward to stretch the legs and low back.
- Leg pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, calves, or buttocks
- Cramping in the calves when walking, often requiring frequent breaks to walk any significant distance
- Pain radiating down one or both legs, hip pain, a sensation similar to sciatica
- In severe cases, loss of motor function in the legs or issues with bowel or bladder control
- Pain that improves when bending forward, sitting, or lying down
Spinal stenosis can affect your gait, by causing numbness or weakness in the muscles in the calf that lift the front part of the foot; that leads to feet slap when walking. This is also known as “foot drop,” “slap gait,” or “steppage gait.”
In some cases, lumbar spinal stenosis can also cause sexual problems, like erectile dysfunction (ED), pain during sex, difficulty with arousal, or an inability to orgasm.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is sometimes accompanied by other age-related conditions. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips over another (typically L4 over L5), and degenerative scoliosis, which causes a mild curvature in the lower back, may occur alongside spinal stenosis.
In rare cases, lumbar spinal stenosis can lead to cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience sudden loss of bowel or bladder control, severe numbness in the legs, or intense weakness that affects your mobility, seek medical help right away.
Medical Diagnosis of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
A healthcare provider will begin with a thorough physical exam, assessing sensation, strength, and reflexes to identify any signs of spinal stenosis. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans provide detailed insights into the structure of the spine, allowing doctors to pinpoint areas where the spinal canal may be narrowed or where bone spurs could be pressing on nerves. In some cases, further testing may be recommended, including nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), or a myelogram to examine nerve function and muscle response.
Medical Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Treatment for spinal stenosis usually involves pain management through medication.
Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. For some people, steroid injections may also be recommended to reduce swelling. In cases where nerve pain or muscle spasms are present, specific medications maybe be prescribed to help manage these symptoms.
If conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include removing bone spurs and widening the spaces in the spine to relieve nerve pressure, known as decompression, and sometimes spinal fusion to stabilize the lower back. This type of surgery is often recommended only when other measures have not been successful, except in emergency cases like cauda equina syndrome.
Acupuncture and TCM can help relieve back pain, leg pain, and hip pain, without the unwanted side effects that can come with taking pain medications and steroid injections.
Can Acupuncture Help Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Acupuncture is now widely recognized as an effective way to manage pain without side effects or dependence on drugs.
In a randomized study involving 80 patients over the age of 50 with lumbar spinal stenosis, acupuncture was compared to a sham acupuncture treatment over 24 sessions across 8 weeks. Results showed that the acupuncture group experienced a significant improvement and greater reductions in pain intensity, symptoms, and dysfunction compared to the sham group.
Another study on acupuncture for spinal stenosis included patients experiencing chronic back and leg pain due to spinal canal narrowing, specifically with L5 radiculopathy, which often leads to symptoms like numbness, weakness, and limited mobility. This study took place in Japan, with patients who had been referred to a hospital for surgical treatment, but were given acupuncture treatment instead.
Participants in the study received a series of acupuncture treatments, where needles were inserted at specific points to promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s natural pain-relief responses. The outcomes showed that patients reported significant pain relief and improved function over time, suggesting acupuncture can be an effective alternative for managing spinal stenosis symptoms.
Importantly, the study highlighted that acupuncture could help patients avoid prolonged use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which are commonly prescribed for pain but may harm liver health with extended use. By reducing dependency on medications, acupuncture offers a holistic approach that aligns with the goal of supporting overall wellness, including protecting liver health. This makes it a promising option for patients seeking a natural, long-term solution to manage their spinal stenosis symptoms effectively.
One study demonstrated significant pain reduction and quality-of-life improvements after 10 acupuncture sessions, with effects lasting up to six weeks post-treatment. Other trials have found that acupuncture led to greater improvements in pain, mobility, and patient satisfaction than conventional therapies alone, especially in the short term.
Preventing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
While lumbar spinal stenosis may not be entirely preventable, especially with the natural aging process, there are steps you can take to support spine health:
- Engage in regular exercise, including aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or cycling, to keep muscles strong and flexible.
- Practice good posture and safe lifting techniques to protect your spine.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce extra strain on the lower back.
- Avoid smoking, as it accelerates spinal degeneration.
Physical therapy, staying active, and using home remedies like ice packs, heating pads, or massage can all help alleviate discomfort.
Acupuncture Near Me for Lumbar Stenosis Near Me
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in West Los Angeles, Drs. Tan and Cai have over 35 years of experience in treating pain conditions of all sorts, including low back pain, hip pain, sciatic pain, and more. They will work with each patient on an individual basis, looking at their imaging and test results and combining their knowledge of orthopedic medicine with TCM to create a unique treatment protocol. TCM views the whole person and provides holistic treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis to relieve pain and improve function.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.