Lower Back Pain: Acupressure Points & Self-Care

Low back pain is pain that you feel in your lower back. Acute low back pain is most often caused by a sudden injury to the muscles and ligaments that support the back, and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks. The pain can be dull, burning or sharp, and may spread to the leg, hip or foot.

Traditional use: in TCM, points such as BL-23, BL-25 and GV-3 are traditionally used for low back pain.

Recognizing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • Pain and stiffness in the lower back
  • Pain that may spread to the leg, hip or foot

Primary Points for Lower Back Pain

Select a point to learn more.

Additional Support Points

Select a point to learn more.

Self-Care Acupressure Routines

Lower Back Routine (10-15 minutes)

  1. Lie flat on firm surface or sit with good back support
  2. Have someone massage BL-23 for 2 minutes each side
  3. Apply pressure to BL-25 for 1 minute each side
  4. Press GV-3 gently for 1 minute
  5. For radiating pain: add BL-40 or KI-3

Everyday Considerations

Self-care

  • Activity: Reduce normal activity for the first few days, then stay as active as you can; bed rest is not advised
  • Ice, then heat: Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then heat
  • Lifting: Avoid heavy lifting and twisting for 6 weeks

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact your provider right away for

  • Loss of control over urine or stool
  • Weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thigh, leg or pelvis
  • Pain traveling down your legs below the knee
  • Difficulty walking or keeping your balance
  • Back pain after a severe blow or fall, or with an unexplained fever