acupuncture and vertebral disc problems 

  Vertebral disc problems are a debilitating and painful disorder and may become chronic easily. Due to injury or structural problems the disc between the vertebrae may slip out of place and cause impingement on a nerve or herniate or rupture. This generally causes severe back pain and muscle spasms in the back or may cause hip, buttocks or leg pain. Correct diagnosis and medical care is essential. Chiropractic care may be indicated or for some, back surgery. 

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the pain of disc misalignment, herniation and rupture. The proper treatment with acupuncture can relieve the muscle spasm in the back thereby relieving the pressure on the disc and nerves and surrounding tissues. 

Different acupuncturists will use varying therapies for this condition, so it is important that you select an acupuncturist with experience for an effective outcome. 

It has been shown that acupuncture can relieve back pain from disc problems in animals and is equivalent to surgery (Problems in  Veterinary Medicine 1992 Mar;4(1):107-16)