Acupuncture for Slipped Disc: Does the Research Support It?

• Research shows that acupuncture might help ease the pain and functional problems caused by herniated discs, but the evidence isn’t completely solid yet—more high-quality studies are needed.
• Acupuncture is a good option for people who prefer non-drug, non-invasive treatments or haven’t had success with standard conservative therapies.
• If you have severe symptoms, like muscle weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel issues, it’s best to seek help from modern medicine first.
• The risks of acupuncture are pretty low, but they can include infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. To stay safe, make sure to choose a qualified practitioner.

If you’ve ever dealt with a slipped disc—also known as a herniated disc—you know how disruptive it can be. The nagging lower back pain, the tingling or numbness in your legs, and the way it throws a wrench into your daily routine can feel overwhelming.

For many, conventional treatments like painkillers or physical therapy help, but others turn to acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). But does the science back it up?

Let’s dive into what acupuncture offers for slipped disc relief, how it works, and what the latest research says—without getting lost in medical jargon.

What Is a Slipped Disc, Anyway?

A slipped disc happens when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves¹. This can lead to symptoms like²:

• Lower back pain that feels sharp or achy.
• Numbness or tingling radiating down one or both legs.
• Muscle weakness, making it tough to stand or walk for long.

It’s a common spine issue, especially in the lower back (lumbar region), and while it can strike anyone, it’s more frequent as we age or if we overdo it with heavy lifting³. So, where does acupuncture fit in?

How Does Acupuncture Help a Slipped Disc?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body—called acupoints—to trigger healing. For a slipped disc, it’s all about easing pain and getting you moving again. Here’s how it works, blending ancient wisdom with modern science:

• TCM Perspective: In TCM, a slipped disc stems from blocked energy (or “qi”) and poor blood flow in the body’s meridians (energy pathways). Acupuncture needles stimulate these pathways, unblocking qi, relaxing tight muscles, and reducing pain—like unclogging a traffic jam in your body⁴.
• Modern Science Angle: Research shows acupuncture sparks the release of natural painkillers, like endorphins, in your brain⁵. It also calms inflammation around the irritated nerve and boosts blood flow to help the area heal⁶. Think of it as flipping a switch to dial down your body’s pain signals.

Key Acupuncture Points for Slipped Disc Relief

Acupuncturists don’t just poke needles anywhere—they target spots tied to your symptoms. For a slipped disc, common points include⁷⁸:

• Main Points:
  • Jiaji (Lumbar Clip Points): Along the spine, near the herniation, to ease local pain.
  • Shenshu (Kidney Shu) and Dachangshu (Large Intestine Shu): Lower back points to support spinal health.
  • Huantiao (GB30): Near the hip, great for sciatica-like leg pain.
  • Weizhong (BL40): Behind the knee, to relax leg tension.
  • Yanglingquan (GB34), Zusanli (ST36), and Sanyinjiao (SP6): Lower leg points to boost circulation and reduce numbness.
• Extra Points (Based on Symptoms):
  • Severe back pain? Add Ashi points (tender spots) or Baliao (Sacral Points).
  • Leg numbness or pain? Try Shenmai (BL62) or Qiuxu (GB40) along the calf.

Your acupuncturist might tweak this lineup depending on whether your pain’s in your back, legs, or both.

What Techniques Are Used?

Acupuncture isn’t one-size-fits-all. Practitioners mix and match methods like⁹:

• Manual Needling: The classic approach with thin needles, gently twisted for effect.
• Moxibustion: Warming needles with burning mugwort to boost circulation—like a cozy heat pack for your muscles.
• Electro-Acupuncture: Adding a mild electric current to needles for deeper stimulation.
• Cupping: Suction cups on your skin to loosen tight spots.

The session might last 20-40 minutes, with needles staying in place while you relax. Your doctor adjusts the depth and duration based on how you’re feeling—lighter for mild cases, more intense if the pain’s stubborn.

Does It Actually Work? The Research Says…

Here’s the big question: Does acupuncture for slipped disc hold up under scrutiny? Recent studies suggest yes, especially for mild to moderate cases.

• A 2024 study from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, tracked 216 patients with chronic sciatica from slipped discs. After acupuncture, they reported less pain and better mobility—effects lasting up to a year. That’s promising news if you’re looking for long-term relief¹⁰.
• A 2023 meta-analysis on ScienceDirect reviewed multiple studies and found acupuncture significantly cuts chronic lower back pain, often outperforming sham (fake) acupuncture. Bonus: It works even better alongside therapies like stretching or massage¹¹.

For mild or moderate slipped discs, patients often feel less pain and stiffness after a few sessions. But if your disc issue is severe—say, causing major weakness or loss of bladder control—acupuncture might not cut it alone. Surgery could be on the table, though acupuncture could still help with recovery.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Generally, yes—it’s low-risk when done by a pro. Side effects like mild bruising or soreness are rare. To keep it safe:

• Pick a Licensed Expert: Go to a certified acupuncturist at a reputable clinic.
• Follow the Plan: Stick to your session schedule and report any changes.
• Stay Warm and Rested: Avoid cold drafts or overexertion post-treatment—your body’s in repair mode.

If you’re pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, or a pacemaker (for electro-acupuncture), chat with your doctor first.

Read more: Acupuncture Risks and Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Tips to Make It Work for You

Want the best shot at relief? Try these:

1. Pair It Up: Combine acupuncture with stretches, traction, or massage for a one-two punch.
2. Be Patient: Relief might take a few sessions—don’t expect overnight miracles.
3. Check In: Before starting, get an MRI to pinpoint your disc issue. It helps tailor the treatment.

Acupuncture Meets Modern Medicine

Acupuncture isn’t here to replace X-rays or surgery—it’s a teammate. Modern tools like MRI confirm the damage, while acupuncture tackles the symptoms¹². For heavy-duty cases, it might not fix the disc itself but can ease the pain while you weigh bigger options.

The Bottom Line

So, does the research support acupuncture for slipped disc? For many, it’s a resounding yes—especially if your symptoms are mild to moderate. It’s safe, backed by solid studies, and offers a natural way to feel better without popping pills. Still, it’s not a cure-all. If your pain’s off the charts or your legs are giving out, see a specialist to explore all your options.

Curious to try it? Talk to your doctor or a licensed acupuncturist. Your back might just thank you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.

Trusted source

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2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12768-herniated-disk ↩︎
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slipped-disc/ ↩︎
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10. Tu J, Shi G, Yan S, et al. Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Sciatica From Herniated Disk: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(12):1417–1424. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5463 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2825064 ↩︎
11. https://www.booksci.cn/literaturecn/142465836.htm ↩︎
12. https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/condition/herniated-disc/diagnosing-and-treating-herniated-disc ↩︎