From a Western medical perspective, back pain is often caused by inflammation, which Eastern medicine views as stagnant or blocked energy, or Qi. Pain is a symptom of blocked or stagnant blood and Qi. Qi is the vital life force that surges through the body at all times. When Qi is imbalanced or stagnant, this can be a result of one’s innate bodily constitution, poor diet, too much or too little exercise, injury, or chronic emotional distress. This often comes with stiffness, immobility, and swelling. Acupuncture can bring healthy Qi and blood flow back into these areas of inflammation to alleviate pain.