“Yuanling is an incredible teacher. Very caring. She’s intuitive and has a unique ability to connect to people.… My acupuncture treatments have not only totally relieved my neck pain but have transformed me into a strong, less fearful, positive person.”Marie, patient
Acupuncture for Back, Neck, and Sciatic Pain in Norwood, MA Easing pain by restoring the flow of Qi and blood
Whether your pain is new or has been with you for years, acupuncture can help ease it and support your body's healing. Yuanling Liu, L.Ac., has treated back, neck, and sciatic pain for 20 years.
Understanding pain
When the flow is blocked, there is pain
Qi and blood flow through meridians, like rivers flowing inside the body. An injury, a strain, long hours at a desk, cold, or stress can block that flow like a dam. The muscles, joints, and nerves below the dam lose their nourishment. Inflammation, pain, stiffness and weakness follow.
Acupuncture helps to unblock the obstruction so Qi and blood can circulate freely again. As the flow returns, the stagnation and inflammation clears, nourishment is back to the area, and your body can heal, repair and recover.
What we treat
Back, neck, and sciatic pain
National Institutes of Health (NIH) data show that the number one condition people use acupuncture for is pain management.
Pain can feel the same from the outside and come from very different patterns. Yuanling treats the pattern behind your pain, not only the place it hurts.
Back pain
Low and mid back pain, muscle strain, and stiffness that builds after long hours sitting or standing. Acupuncture can relax tight muscles and calm the nervous system, so the back can move more freely.
Neck and shoulder pain
A stiff neck, tension across the shoulders, or pain that makes it hard to turn your head. Neck tension often travels upward, so it can also play a part in headaches.
Sciatica
Pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the low back through the hip and down the leg. The meridians that pass through the low back also run the length of the leg. That is why Yuanling may treat points on the leg and foot, not only the back.
Chronic pain
Pain that has stayed for months or years. Long-standing pain usually needs a series of treatments. Acupuncture works well alongside physical therapy, chiropractic care, and the care you receive from your doctor.
When to see your doctor first
Acupuncture works alongside your medical care. It is not a replacement for it. Please see your doctor first if your pain follows a fall or accident, or if it comes with fever, weakness in a leg, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Keep taking any medications as prescribed, and let your doctor know about your treatment here.
How it helps
How acupuncture eases pain
Calms the nervous system
Pain keeps the body on guard, and muscles tighten around the area to protect it. Acupuncture can calm the nervous system, so the mind and body can relax and the guarding can let go.
Unblocks the obstruction
Fine, sterile needles at points along the meridian open the dam. Qi and blood circulate again, bringing nourishment, oxygen, and nutrients back to the muscles, joints, and nerves.
Restores balance
Pain is often the sign of a wider imbalance, such as poor sleep, stress, or weak digestion. Treating the whole pattern helps the body restore balance and harmony, so relief can last.
Related conditions
Often treated together
Because the whole body is connected, pain rarely travels alone. These concerns often come in alongside back and neck pain.
Arthritis and nerve pain
Support for stiff, painful joints, nerve pain, and recovery from injury.
Arthritis and nerve pain →Migraines and headaches
Care for recurring headaches, including those that begin with neck and shoulder tension.
Migraines and headaches →Stress, anxiety, and sleep
Pain and poor sleep often feed each other. Calming the nervous system helps both.
Stress, anxiety, and sleep →Can acupuncture help back pain?
Acupuncture is one of the most studied natural treatments for back pain. The American College of Physicians includes acupuncture among the non-drug treatments it recommends first for low back pain. Results vary from person to person. At your first visit, after the assessment Yuanling will explain to you how the treatment helps you.
Can acupuncture help sciatica?
Many patients come to us for sciatica. Yuanling treats points along the low back, hip, and leg to help restore the flow along the whole pathway of the pain. If you have weakness in the leg or any loss of bladder or bowel control, please see your doctor first.
How many treatments will I need?
It varies, depending on how long you have had the pain, how severe it is, and how your body responds. A recent strain may ease within a few treatments. Pain that has lasted for years usually needs a longer series. Yuanling will talk through a plan with you at your first visit.
Can I have acupuncture alongside physical therapy or chiropractic care?
Yes. Acupuncture works well alongside physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, and the care you receive from your doctor. Keep taking any medications as prescribed, and let your other providers know about your treatment here.
What should I wear?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can roll up above the knee and elbow. For back and neck treatment, Yuanling may ask you to uncover the area, and you will be draped for comfort.
Will insurance cover acupuncture for back or neck pain?
Many plans cover acupuncture for back and neck pain, and coverage can depend on the condition being treated. We are in-network with BlueCross BlueShield, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Aetna, and Harvard Pilgrim, and we verify your benefits before your visit. See pricing and insurance for details.
Tell Yuanling where it hurts
At your first visit, she will listen, evaluate your pattern, and begin your first treatment. Then she will suggest a plan that fits you.