Acupuncture for Back Pain
Treating the root, not just the symptom
In Chinese medicine, pain is never just a mechanical problem. It’s a signal that something is obstructed—whether that’s blood, Qi, emotion, or habit. Back pain might stem from an old injury, from holding too much tension, or from chronic depletion. Sometimes it’s all three.
Acupuncture works by restoring the smooth flow of energy and blood to areas that have become tight, cold, inflamed, or stuck. Instead of masking pain, it looks at why it’s there in the first place. That means we don’t just aim to relieve the symptoms—you’re supported to heal from the inside out.
Common causes of back pain
In clinic, I see back pain that comes in many forms:
Tension in the upper back from stress, desk work, or holding things in
Sharp, stabbing pain from old injuries or repetitive strain
A dull ache in the lower back from fatigue, overwork, or chronic depletion
Pain linked to menstruation, digestion, or emotional overwhelm
Some types of back pain are worse in the cold, some flare up in damp weather, others come and go with stress. Chinese medicine pays attention to these patterns—not to categorise, but to understand how to treat you, not just your back.
How acupuncture helps
Acupuncture works on multiple levels. It improves circulation, releases muscular tension, reduces inflammation, and calms the nervous system. But more than that, it supports the body to remember what balance feels like.
Treatment may include:
Local needling to reduce pain and inflammation
Distal points to shift deeper causes and systemic patterns
Support for sleep, digestion, and stress if they’re contributing factors
Sometimes cupping or heat therapy (moxibustion) is also used to support healing. You’ll always be told what’s being used and why.
What to expect
Most people feel some relief after the first session, though chronic or long-standing back pain usually takes a course of treatment. We’ll discuss this together. The aim isn’t just to get you out of pain—it’s to help you stay out of it, with your body moving freely and naturally again.
Ready to get started?
If back pain is slowing you down, acupuncture can help restore movement, ease tension, and support lasting relief. You’re welcome to book in directly—or if you’re not sure whether it’s the right fit, I offer a free 20-minute consultation to talk things through.
Esaias Hobbs offers acupuncture for back pain in Lewes, East Sussex. Rooted in classical Chinese medicine, treatments are tailored to help you move more freely, release tension, and restore balance.