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A holistic acupuncture and wellness center serving the Coventry / Rhode Island Area since 2005

Clinic Location
Call (401) 219-6446
Natures HealingNatures Healing
  • Who We Help
    • Chronic Pain
    • Sports Medicine and Electro-Acupuncture
    • IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • IBD – Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s
    • Fertility & Reproductive Health
    • Endometriosis
    • PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    • FADS – Fatigue Anxiety Depression Stress
    • Adrenal Health
    • Thyroid Health
    • Asthma
    • Allergies
  • Learn
  • Patients
    • New Patient History Form
    • Clinic Patient Forms and Charts
    • Verify Health Insurance
    • Is Acupuncture Covered by Ins?
    • Veterans
    • Accepting Workers Compensation Ins
    • Free Info
      • Break Free From The Emotional Drain Game | Free Lecture Series
      • Meditation ArticlesMeditation and relaxation techniques for optimal health.
      • Health Matters / Articles
      • Break The Chronic Pain Cycle
      • 21 Day Purification Webinar
      • 7 Emotions – A Guide to Emotional Balance
        • Try the 7 Emotions Quiz – Find Your Emotional Energy Pattern
      • 4 Seasons Chi Kung Online – Program Overview
      • VA Community Care Program Covers Acupuncture
      • Top 10 Reasons to Try Acupuncture
      • Smoking Cessation Program
      • 5 Tips to Lower Your Risk of Cancer
    • Conditions Suitable for Treatment
  • Testimonials
  • Therapies
    • Acupuncture Therapy
      • Frequently Asked Questions | Acupuncture
      • Top 10 Reasons To Try Acupuncture
      • EStim Electro-Acupuncture PENS
      • Gua Sha Therapy
      • Cupping Therapy
      • Tui Na – Chinese Medical Massage
      • Less Stress Now Program
    • Herbal Medicine
    • Diet / Nutritional Support
    • Massage Therapy – Crystal Haley
    • Telemedicine – Natural Solutions
    • Mind-Body Self Care
      • 7 Emotions Program for Mental Emotional Health
        • Break Free From The Emotional Drain Game | Free Lecture Series
        • 7 Emotions – A Guide to Emotional Balance
      • 4 Seasons Chi Kung Online – Program Overview
      • 21 Day Purification Program
      • Break The Chronic Pain Cycle
  • Request Free Consult
  • Contact

Chronic Back Pain – Structure and Treatment

Home Acupoints for HealthChronic Back Pain – Structure and Treatment
chronic back pain

Chronic Back Pain – Structure and Treatment

December 12, 2012 Posted by Christopher Carlow, D. Ac. Acupoints for Health, Acupuncture, Lifestyle

Chronic back pain, particularly low back pain is a common complaint by many of my patients as an acupuncturist. The causes and treatment choices are numerous. Surgery should be considered a last resort especially when diagnostic procedures i.e. X-rays do not reveal structural damage. Chiropractic treatment is beneficial in treating back pain as well as other less familiar but effective therapies such as Acupuncture, Massage, Qi Gong exercise, lifestyle counseling and diet therapy. Relieving obstruction and increasing circulation to improve the body’s regenerative abilities is their main therapeutic focus.

Five vertebrae form the lower spine (lumbar). It is a pivotal center for mobility connecting the upper and lower parts of the body. The lower spine is a body region formed by some of the biggest muscles and the least amount of bone structure to support flexibility and strength for turning, twisting, bending and lifting. Good health requires good circulation. Poor circulation from a weak and/or tight back will decrease the nourishment supplied to the surrounding body structure and limit its regenerative abilities. The back will become weaker, tighter and more prone to injury.

Some of the causes of low back pain are poor posture and long periods of standing, improper lifting, obesity, poor sleeping habits, emotional imbalances and environmental conditions, such as over exposure to cold temperatures. Cold naturally constricts and impedes circulation in general. Poor posture, improper lifting and obesity all can place stress on the lumbar region. Weight gain tends to expand the abdomen applying forward tension and over-extending the lumbar curve causing tightness and poor local circulation. According to the practice of acupuncture, emotions such as fear and anger can deplete the body’s energy or encourage poor posture, also resulting in back pain.

Exercises such as Qi Gong, Yoga, Tai Ji Quan increase flexibility, strength and have a major focus on proper posture. Tight, inflexible muscles connected to the lumbar can overextend the lumbar curve, causing pain when sleeping. Simply placing a pillow under your knees when lying on your back decreases the lumbar curve and may provide pain relief. Keeping the back straight, bending the knees and using the leg muscles for lifting will help avoid back strain. I supplement acupuncture treatments with heat therapy for people who feel cold or have an aversion to cold environments. Moxabustion, herbal hot pouches and heat lamps are commonly used. Create a simple hot pouch by filling a heavy sock with rice and tie it off. Place it in the microwave for a minute and apply. The expansive nature of heat can increase circulation and often turn a tired back into a happy one!

Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.Doctor of Acupuncture Date: 1/1/06

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About Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.

Chris specializes in women’s health, chronic pain, digestive health, mind-body and hormonal wellness using Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Diet/Nutritional Support and Mind-Body Self-Care. He’s a licensed Doctor of Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine and Chinese Herbology and owner of the clinic of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Coventry, Rhode Island with staff privileges at The Miriam Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center (Providence, RI) and Kent Hospital (Warwick, RI). Chris is nationally certified as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine – a combined certification in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He holds a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Tai Hsuan College in Honolulu, Hawai’i with special training in Medical Chi Kung (Qigong) and Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan). Chris also holds certifications as an Assistant Chi Kung (Qigong) Instructor by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, YMAA and as a Tai Chi for Arthritis Program Instructor. Chris has a passion for helping people reach their greatest potential in natural health and wellness. He believes the integration of modern medicine with the holistic and natural approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine creates a powerful combination that can get to the root cause and truly unlock the body’s natural healing powers. The latin origin of the word “doctor” originally meant “teacher”. In addition to the therapeutic modalities offered, Chris loves to teach his patients simple, mind body self-care practices to help them take control of their health and rediscover their full potential. Staff Privileges - The Miriam Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center / Providence, RI - Kent Hospital / Warwick, RI

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  • Dr. Christopher Carlow, DAOM
  • Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
  • 129 Sandy Bottom Road / Lower Level, Coventry, RI 02816
  • 401-219-6446
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