Administration of Acupressure for Relief of Low Back Pain

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is experienced at some point in life by approximately 80% of the population, 1,2 with 70% of affected individuals improving or remaining stable after four years of treatment. 3 Conventional treatment of LBP includes spinal manipulation, behavioral therapies, pharmaceutical interventions, and home exercise programs. 2 The majority of LBP is chronic (80-90%), which is typically characterized by a nonspecific musculoskeletal origin and unremarkable diagnostic tests. 2,4 Prolonged recovery and chronic pain often motivate patients to seek nontraditional treatments. 5-8 The literature suggests that acupuncture and acupressure treatments are effective for reduction of LBP, but a debate persists concerning the physiologic basis for the reduction in pain. 1-13 According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, back pain is caused by stagnation or an obstruction in the flow of "chi"-or vital energy-throughout the back region. 3 Obstruction or stagnation in the

Uso da acupressão para minimizar desconfortos na gestação

“…As the statements described above, cramps and lumbago played down considerably after the application of the therapy used. This is supported with innovative and successful experiences of obstetrical nurses with usual risk pregnant women related to the relief of discomfort mentioned by the use of complementary health techniques according to the individual needs of women (12)(13) .…”

Acupressure for chronic low back pain: a single system study

“…Acupressure treatment has been introduced by physical therapists and other professions to treat LBP based on the beliefs of removing obstructions that block energy flow and relieving pain by improving circulation and nutrition 12 , 13 ) . Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that one month of acupressure treatment can significantly decrease pain, improve function, and decrease disability for at least 6 months 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ) .…”