Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain strikes 80% of adults and tends to come back repeatedly, often getting worse over time if the root causes aren’t addressed. Dr. Shangyou Zhong at Sunyo Acupuncture Center in San Juan Capistrano and Santa Monica, California, focuses on breaking the cycle of recurring back episodes by treating acute pain and the underlying imbalances that keep triggering new problems. This holistic approach incorporates traditional Chinese medicine principles, acupuncture, massage techniques, cupping, and motion therapy to restore spinal stability and prevent future flare-ups. Call the office or request an appointment online today.

Why does lower back pain keep coming back?

Your lower back connects your upper body to your legs, managing the stress of lifting, bending, and twisting throughout the day. Five large vertebrae in this area support your entire torso, but they depend on surrounding muscles to keep your body stable.

When those supporting muscles get weak, tight, or imbalanced, your spine starts overcompensating. Sunyo Acupuncture Center recognizes that back pain often connects to other factors like stress levels, lifestyle choices, and even emotional well-being.

What triggers lower back pain episodes?

Most back pain comes from a combination of factors rather than one single cause:

• Muscle strain from lifting, bending, or sudden movements
• Disc irritation from poor posture or repetitive stress
• Joint inflammation from arthritis or wear and tear
• Nerve irritation that can shoot pain into your legs
• Postural problems from desk work or prolonged sitting
• Core weakness that leaves your spine unsupported

Back pain often shows up hours or days after the activity that triggers it, making it hard to identify what actually caused the problem.

How do you know when lower back pain needs treatment?

Many people tough out back pain, hoping it’ll resolve on its own. But certain symptoms suggest you need help:

• Pain that disrupts your sleep or daily activities
• Stiffness that doesn’t improve after moving around
• Pain that radiates into your buttocks or legs
• Recurrent episodes that keep getting worse
• Muscle spasms that come and go unpredictably

Early treatment often prevents minor problems from developing into chronic issues that limit your ability to do things.

How does lower back pain treatment work?

Sunyo Acupuncture Center conducts a thorough assessment of your condition, considering factors like pain severity, duration, medical history, and overall health. This comprehensive evaluation creates a personalized treatment plan that addresses immediate symptoms and root causes:

Traditional acupuncture 

Needles placed along your back and in related points help reduce inflammation, relax muscle tension, and reset nerve signals that create pain.

Motion acupuncture 

You perform the movements that typically trigger your pain while needles are in place. This helps identify and treat the exact movement patterns causing your problems.

Targeted cupping 

Cupping releases tension in your back muscles and the fascia that connects them, improving how your spine moves as a unit.

Corrective massage 

Massage focuses on the muscle imbalances that contribute to back problems — tight hip flexors, weak glutes, and overworked back muscles.

Call Sunyo Acupuncture Center or request an appointment online today to address the underlying causes of your recurring back pain.