As with any other modality, however, some patients do not respond to acupuncture. O f additional importance is keeping up activity and reduction or improved coping with stress. Stress contributes to muscle tension, and perpetuation of the pain cycle. Especially for chronic back pain, reduction of continued physical and emotional stress is helpful. Physical muscle stress can be reduced by good posture and good lifting habits, maintenance of abdominal muscle tone, and stretching to maintain biofeedback or visualization.
Yoga offers a good combination of stretch and relaxation.
Discontinuation of smoking is encouraged. Curcumin, derived from Tumeric, which gives curry its yellow color, has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain may also be useful for acute inflammatory pain. If arthritis is a component of the pain, glucosamine sulfate may be helpful. P eople often ask about other procedures offered for back pain.