Can Cupping Therapy Alleviate Your Painful Back?

If you’re suffering from back pain, then you know how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, surgery is not the only answer. There are many non-invasive ways to get back pain relief for many people, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and soft tissue treatments like cupping. Could cupping be the answer you’ve been looking for to ease your back pain? Here is what you need to know.

What exactly is cupping?

Cupping is a treatment that involves placing warm cups on the skin. The cups, which are made of glass, create a vacuum when placed on the skin, which pulls tissue into the cup. Cupping comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is thought to remove blockages of chi—or energy—through the body. When chi does not flow freely, it is thought to trigger painful symptoms. Cupping also increases blood circulation and helps to loosen the connective tissue that could be inflamed and painful.

Is cupping effective?

Many people get back pain relief from cupping, but whether it is effective for you depends on a number of different factors, including the cause of your pain. Most people who undergo cupping also get other kinds if back and neck pain treatment, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care. When used as part of a broader treatment plan for back pain, it can be a very effective, non-invasive pain treatment.

Does cupping cause any side effects?

The most common side effect of cupping is bruising. This occurs as the blood is drawn to the surface of the skin when the cups are in position. Occasionally, mild discomfort, similar to that experienced after a deep tissue massage, is possible. People who are on blood thinning medications should talk to their providers before getting cupping for back pain relief.

Cupping is one of the many soft tissue treatment modalities our chiropractors in the Woodlands offer at The Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers. You can find out more about all of our services, including chiropractic treatment and physical therapy in The Woodlands, by calling 281-362-0006.