Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain in Princeton, NJ

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. For some, it starts after lifting something the wrong way. For others, it builds slowly from years of sitting, stress, or old injuries that never fully resolved. Many patients come to our Princeton office after trying physical therapy, medications, injections, or simply “waiting it out” — only to find the pain keeps returning.

At Princeton Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (PA-OM), we focus on identifying and correcting the underlying pattern driving your pain — not just temporarily suppressing it.

Can Acupuncture Help Lower Back Pain?

Yes. Acupuncture is widely used for both acute and chronic lower back pain and is supported by growing clinical research. It works by:

• Reducing inflammation

• Relaxing tight, protective muscle spasm

• Improving local circulation

• Calming irritated nerves

• Regulating the nervous system’s pain response

For many patients, especially those with chronic or recurring pain, acupuncture provides meaningful relief without the side effects associated with long-term medication use. At PA-OM in Princeton, treatments are personalized and may include electro-acupuncture to enhance results when appropriate.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain is rarely caused by just one factor. Common contributors include:

• Muscle strain or ligament sprain

• Herniated or bulging discs

• Sciatica (nerve irritation or compression)

• Degenerative changes or arthritis

• Postural imbalances

• Core weakness

• Chronic stress and nervous system tension

In many chronic cases, pain persists even after tissue healing has occurred. The nervous system can become sensitized — meaning the body continues producing pain signals long after the original trigger has passed. Addressing this component is critical for long-term resolution.

How Acupuncture Helps Lower Back Pain

Reducing Inflammation and Muscle Spasm

When muscles tighten around an injured or irritated area, they restrict blood flow and perpetuate pain. Acupuncture helps relax these protective spasms and increase circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support tissue repair.

Calming Nerve Irritation (Including Sciatica)

Lower back pain often radiates into the hips or legs due to nerve involvement. Acupuncture can help regulate overactive pain signaling and reduce nerve hypersensitivity. Many patients with sciatica experience significant improvement when the nerve inflammation settles.

Addressing the Root Pattern

At PA-OM, treatment is not limited to where the pain is located. We assess posture, movement patterns, sleep quality, digestion, and stress levels — all of which can influence recovery. Chronic lower back pain is often part of a broader imbalance in the body.

When appropriate, we use electro-acupuncture — a gentle electrical stimulation applied through the needles — to enhance muscle relaxation and neuromuscular re-education.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your first visit includes a detailed intake to understand:

• How and when your pain began

• What makes it worse or better

• Previous treatments

• Lifestyle factors affecting recovery

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and typically cause minimal discomfort. Many patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or a dull ache that fades quickly.

A session typically lasts 45–60 minutes. Some patients notice improvement after the first visit; others see gradual change over several treatments.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

The number of treatments depends on several factors:

• Acute lower back pain (recent onset) may improve within 3–6 visits.

• Chronic pain (lasting months or years) often requires a more structured treatment plan, commonly 6–12 visits or more.

• Severe or complex cases may require ongoing support during rehabilitation.

The goal is measurable progress — not endless treatment.

Is Acupuncture Safe for Lower Back Pain?

When performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner, acupuncture is considered very safe. Side effects are minimal and may include mild soreness or temporary fatigue.

Steven Hoffman, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, has extensive training in both classical acupuncture and advanced electro-acupuncture techniques. Treatments are customized to your condition and medical history.

Acupuncture can also be used alongside physical therapy, chiropractic care, or medical management when appropriate.

Acupuncture vs. Pain Medication or Injections

Acupuncture is not about replacing medical care. It is about expanding your options.

Many patients choose acupuncture because they want a non-pharmaceutical approach or because other treatments haven’t provided lasting relief.

When to Consider Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain

You may want to consider acupuncture if:

• Your pain has lasted longer than 2–4 weeks

• The pain keeps returning

• Pain radiates into the leg (sciatica)

• You’ve tried PT, massage, or medication with limited improvement

• You want to avoid surgery if possible

• Stress appears to worsen your symptoms

Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

Why Patients in Princeton Choose PA-OM

Princeton Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine is located at 166 Bunn Drive in Princeton, NJ, and serves patients from Princeton and surrounding communities.

Patients often seek care here because:

• They want a deeper, more comprehensive approach

• They’ve tried other treatments without lasting relief

• They are looking for experienced, personalized care

• They want long-term results rather than temporary fixes

The focus is on restoring function, improving quality of life, and helping patients move forward — not just reducing pain for a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain

Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The needles are extremely thin, and many people find the treatment relaxing.

Can acupuncture help sciatica?
Yes. Many cases of sciatica respond well when nerve irritation and muscle tension are addressed simultaneously.

How long does relief last?
Relief varies depending on the cause and duration of pain. Chronic conditions may require a series of treatments for sustained improvement.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans provide coverage for acupuncture. Our office can help verify your benefits.

Can I combine acupuncture with physical therapy?
Yes. Many patients use acupuncture alongside PT or chiropractic care to accelerate recovery.

Is acupuncture safe after back surgery?
In many cases, yes — but it depends on your specific condition. A consultation helps determine the safest approach.

Ready to Address Your Lower Back Pain?

If you’re dealing with persistent lower back pain and looking for a comprehensive, non-drug approach, acupuncture may be worth exploring.

To schedule a consultation at our Princeton office, call 609-924-9500 or click the chat button at the bottom right of this page.

Relief is possible — especially when the focus is on resolving the cause, not just managing the symptoms.