As with acupuncture, the theory behind acupressure is that it unblocks the flow of qi. The difference between acupuncture and acupressure is that no needles are used in acupressure. Instead, a therapist applies pressure to points along the channels with his or her hands, elbows, or even feet. In some cases, patients are taught to do their own acupressure. However, it is important to note that acupressure has not been well studied as a back pain treatment.
Rolfing
Rolfing is a type of massage that involves using strong pressure on deep tissues in the back to relieve tightness of the fascia, a sheath of tissue that covers the muscles, which can cause or contribute to back pain. The theory behind rolfing is that releasing muscles and tissues from the fascia enables the back to properly align itself. So far, the usefulness of rolfing as a back pain treatment has not been scientifically proven.
Surgery as a Back Pain Treatment
If non-surgical back pain treatment has failed, back surgery may be an option.
(Click Back Surgery for more information about back surgery.)
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