Back pain can be caused by several issues, such as inflammatory disorders, fractures, spinal deformities, etc. However, if your doctor cannot pinpoint any root cause of this pain, you may have what's known as non-specific back pain. Non-specific back pain isn't caused by an underlying disease or infection; it can be caused by something vague, such as poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle. 

Non-specific back pain can still be frustrating, however, as you may still experience chronic symptoms. Thankfully, there are ways to address this back pain. Reuters says that when people visit chiropractors, they are less reliant on medications to treat chronic back pain. Chiropractors have many treatment options in their toolboxes, such as spinal manipulation, massage, and acupuncture. One chiropractic treatment you may want to try is cupping therapy.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it can be used on its own or in conjunction with another therapy, like spinal manipulation. During cupping therapy, your chiropractor will place cups on your back to create a vacuum seal. This suction force will then pull skin and muscles upwards. There are two categories of cupping therapy: dry and wet cupping.

Dry Cupping

During a dry cupping session, a chiropractor will set alcohol-soaked cotton balls aflame to remove oxygen from the cups. Then they will place the cup against your skin. Once the cup is on your skin, the provider may leave it in place or move it around to massage tender areas.

Wet Cupping

Wet cupping is similar to dry cupping except your chiropractor will use a needle to create microtears in the skin before placing the cups. The goal of wet cupping is to improve circulation and clear pores.

Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?

One great benefit of cupping therapy is that it is a low-risk treatment with few side effects, like bruising and muscle soreness. However, you should talk with your doctor and chiropractor before receiving this treatment just to make sure that it's right for you. For instance, people with blood disorders or blood clotting issues may not be good candidates. Since the cups will rest against your skin, it may also not be a great treatment for people with eczema or cystic acne.

How Can it Help Non-Specific Back Pain?

Cupping therapy can reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tightness. While there is no standard cupping therapy method or treatment protocol, one study found that cupping therapy has had positive effects on people with chronic back pain. The review assessed pain intensity, quality of life, and physical incapacity, and there was a significant reduction in pain intensity scores. Another study found that wet cupping therapy was a safe and acceptable method to treat non-specific low back pain. This therapy was more effective at reducing pain for many participants than their previous care methods.

Reach out to a clinic like Cornerstone Chiropractic Center for more details.