Shockwave Therapy for Back Pain: A Non-Invasive Treatment Option

About 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point. Many find traditional treatments don't help enough, leading them to look for other options. Luckily, studies suggest shockwave therapy for back pain could be a good, non-invasive choice for many.

Extra Corporeal Shockwave therapy, or ESWT, uses high-energy waves to help the body heal its damaged tissues and conditions such as low back pain, disc herniation, lumbar facet syndrome and Sciatica. It's a safe, easy option that can greatly reduce or even eliminate pain for most people.

Studies show it works well for issues like arthritis, degenerative disc disease, low back sprains and strains, whiplash injuries, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. The UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved it for easing musculoskeletal pain, the FDA has also approved the StemWave and SoftWave brands for low intensity shockwave, acoustic therapy.

Imagine finding relief from chronic back pain without the need for surgery, Cortisone injections or invasive procedures. What if this non-invasive shockwave therapy treatment could not only alleviate your discomfort but also help you reclaim your life?  Most people suffering want to get rid of their pain, but most are so frustrated because they are not able to do certain things due to the pain.  So, people are seeking out shockwave therapy for back pain so they can get back on the pickleball court, golf course, tennis court, cross-fit gym, the mountain top or so they can play with their kids on the trampoline. Welcome to the world of shockwave therapy, this is becoming the top choice for non-surgical therapy among orthopedic doctors, sports medicine doctor and chiropractors.  This is a revolutionary approach that's changing how we treat back pain, so patients can get back to doing what they love without expensive surgeries, long recovery times or becoming addicted to taking strong pain medicine. Curious about how it works and whether it could be the solution you've been searching for.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for back pain that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing process.  The sound waves help stimulate healing by reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow and recruiting stem cells in the area. 
  • It has been found to be effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic back pain, without the need for surgery or prescription medications.
  • Shockwave therapy is approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK for musculoskeletal pain relief including lumbar disc pain, muscle spasms and pinched nerves. 
  • The therapy is generally well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as transient discomfort, skin redness, and localized swelling.  One of the reasons that back pain sufferers are choosing this therapy is because there is no downtime; you can come in for treatment, then return to the activities of your day.  Shockwave therapy doctors just ask that you do not overdo it during the healing phase, which is about 6-8 weeks. 
  • Shockwave therapy can help reduce the need for pain medications and improve the quality of life for those suffering from back pain.  With all of the bad news surrounding opioids and pain medicine addiction, most people want to avoid this all together. People also would rather not have invasive back surgery unless it is the only option; low back pain surgery has about a 50% success rate, and even the ones who benefit still have post-surgical problems. 

Understanding Back Pain and Its Causes

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain affects millions of people around the world. It's important to know what causes it to find the right treatment. Many things can lead to back pain, from muscle issues, postural stress to spinal injuries.

Muscle or ligament strains are a big cause of back pain. They happen from overusing muscles, lifting wrong, or sudden moves, this could be happening in the gym, as part of a person's job, and other activities like dead-lifts, squats and exercises in the military as a part of boot camp.  Herniated or bulging discs also cause pain by pressing on the nerves, these herniations usually occur from twisting and lifting types of activities. 

Osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis are other big causes, stenosis just means that the person has a narrowing of the spinal canal, this can happen over time and there really isn't much you can do about it.  Arthritis of any kind, makes the joints of the spine inflamed and very stiff which limits your range of motion. 

Injuries from car accidents or sports like football, weight lifting, wrestling, golf, tennis and handball can also lead to back pain. These injuries can cause serious spinal irritation and wear and tear, this can lead to facet syndrome, spinal misalignments and muscle spasm. 

Conditions like scoliosis or fibromyalgia can cause ongoing back pain. Scoliosis curves the spine, straining muscles and joints, this can be something you are born with so you just have to monitor how severe the curve is as you get older.  Scoliosis can cause the spine to curve from side to side or front to back; this can put significant stress on the neck, mid-back and low back.  When scoliosis curves are very severe, they may put pressure on organs and glands; at the point often times the person will elect for surgery with rods to support the spine.  Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain in the muscles and bones, some research shows that toxins held up in the body can cause these aches and pains.  Medical doctors still do not have an appropriate treatment for fibromyalgia. 

Cause of Back Pain

Description

Muscle or Ligament Strains

Overuse, improper lifting, or sudden movements can lead to strains in the muscles or ligaments of the back.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Disc issues that put pressure on the nerves in the back, causing pain and discomfort.

Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis

Degenerative conditions that can cause chronic inflammation, stiffness, and nerve compression in the spine.

Spinal Injuries

Fractures, dislocations, or other traumatic events that can lead to back pain.  Often times whiplash car accident causes severe damage to spinal joints and soft tissue in the lower back.

Scoliosis and Fibromyalgia

Underlying medical conditions that can contribute to persistent back pain.

Knowing what causes back pain helps people work with their doctors to find relief. This can lead to better treatment plans and options depending on if you are interested in mainstream medicine or a more alternative approach like shockwave therapy for back pain. 

 

Shockwave Therapy for Back Pain

If you're dealing with chronic or recurring back pain, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive option to consider. It uses high-energy shock waves to help your body heal naturally. This can speed up the repair of muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in your back.  Shockwave therapy can also reduce your need for pain medication and anti-inflammatories. It targets the root cause of back pain, helping to reduce inflammation, boost circulation and stimulate natural healing. This means you can manage your pain without constantly taking pain medicine or getting Cortisone shots. 

This therapy is safe and easy, needing no surgery or anesthesia. Sessions last about 5-10 minutes, and most people feel only mild discomfort during their session. 

  • Shockwave therapy for back pain helps to significantly reduce back pain and improve range of motion. 
  • Advanced imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and MRI, are used to make sure the treatment is precise and targets the right areas.
  • Personalized treatment plans in shockwave therapy help ensure the best possible outcomes for each patient.  Depending on the severity of the back pain and the diagnosis; patients usually see 70-80% improvement within 6-8 weeks and 10 treatments.  If the patient has acute disc herniation and radiating pain they might need more like 20-24 sessions over the course of 120 days. 

If you're tired of chronic pain and want a non-invasive, effective solution, shockwave therapy for back pain might be what you need. Talk to your healthcare provider, orthopedic doctor or chiropractor to learn more about this innovative treatment. It can not only reduce your pain but also get you back to being active and enjoying life again. 

"Shockwave therapy offers accelerated healing for damaged tissues, making it beneficial for those with chronic or recurring back pain."

 

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave Therapy Mechanisms

Shockwave therapy is a way to help your body heal without surgery. It uses high-energy waves to kickstart healing by bringing in oxygen and stem cells to the injured area. These waves are fast and have high- and low-pressure points. The device sends these waves to the injured area in the lower back to help recruit healing cells, improve blood flow, and start healing naturally.

There are three main types of shockwave therapy: radial shockwave therapy (RSWT), focused shockwave therapy (FSWT), and acoustic wave therapy (AWT). Radial uses a device that sends waves through the skin. Focused therapy sends strong waves right to the injured area. Acoustic therapy uses low-intensity waves. SoftWave therapy is the only unfocused type in the US. It uses strong waves to treat a bigger area than other types.  StemWave therapy uses acoustic sound waves with a range of intensity depending on the area you are working on. StemWave and Shockwave are definitely to go to companies for shockwave therapy for back pain, if you are seeking out a shockwave therapy provider, make sure they have these brands. 

Type of Shockwave Therapy

Description

Penetration Depth

Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)

Applies pressure waves to the skin's surface

3-6 cm

Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT)

Delivers high-intensity shockwaves directly to the affected area

13-14 cm

Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) StemWave Therapy

Delivers low-intensity shockwaves to the affected area

Varies

SoftWave Therapy

Delivers high-intensity shockwaves to a wider and deeper area

Up to 6 cm

Shockwave therapy can go deep into tissue, up to 6 cm. A session is about 5-10 minutes long and uses around 400 pulses. People say it's a bit uncomfortable but not too painful. How much you feel it depends on where you're being treated and how much inflammation you have in the area. 

Shockwave Therapy for Back Pain

Chronic back pain can really take a toll on your life, both personally and professionally.   If you're dealing with ongoing back pain, like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or sciatica, shockwave therapy might be a good option. It's a non-invasive treatment that has little to no downtime. 

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to help your body heal itself. It's a non-surgical method that has been shown to lessen pain and boost mobility for people with chronic back pain issues.

This therapy doesn't need surgery or anesthesia. It works by starting your body's healing process. It reduces inflammation, increases blood flow, and helps heal damaged tissues by bringing in local stem cells. For those who haven't found relief with traditional treatments, shockwave therapy could be a safe and effective choice.

Research shows shockwave therapy can help with back pain. A 2014 study found it improved pain and balance in some patients more than physical therapy did. The Storz Masterpuls series, including the MP50, MP100, and MP200 machines, are trusted for treating chronic low back pain.

If you're looking for a non-invasive way to ease your chronic back pain, consider shockwave therapy. It uses your body's healing powers to bring relief and improve your life quality. This method avoids the risks and side effects of more invasive treatments.

"Extra corporeal shockwave therapy is increasingly used as an alternative to physiotherapy and acupuncture for non-responsive patients."

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy is a new way to treat chronic back pain without surgery. It uses high-energy waves to help the body heal faster. This can cut down on pain medication and make life better for those who use it.

Shockwave therapy for back pain is safe and doesn't require any type of surgery or anesthesia. It's a good choice for people who haven't found relief with other medical treatments. Shockwave therapy is a less invasive way to ease chronic back pain and help people move freely again.

More and more, doctors are using shockwave therapy for back pain and other muscle problems. If you're looking for a non-surgical way to handle chronic low back pain, disc herniation pain or Sciatica, consider shockwave therapy. It's a safe and effective way to find lasting relief.  Shockwave therapy will provide immediate feedback for patients; if the patient is not getting better after 3 sessions, they are probably not a good fit for this treatment. Most patients see a 10-20% improvement in pain levels and mobility after the first treatment. 

FAQ

What is shockwave therapy and how does it work for back pain?

Shockwave therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to help your body heal faster. It can lessen the need for painkillers, or surgery and make life better for those with back pain.

What are the common causes of back pain?

Back pain can come from many things like pulled muscles, bulging discs, arthritis, and injuries. It can also be caused by conditions like scoliosis or fibromyalgia.

How is shockwave therapy different from other back pain treatments?

Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive way to treat back pain. It doesn't need surgery or anesthesia. It's a good choice for those who haven't found relief with other treatments like massage, physical therapy or even Cortisone shots. 

What are the different types of shockwave therapy?

There are three main types: radial shockwave therapy (RSWT), focused shockwave therapy (FSWT), and acoustic wave therapy (AWT). SoftWave therapy is a type that treats a larger area deeply with high-intensity waves.  StemWave therapy uses focused shockwave therapy and can vary in the intensity of the waves. 

How effective is shockwave therapy for chronic back pain?

Shockwave therapy is effective for chronic back pain. It helps reduce pain and improve mobility. This lets patients get back to being active, playing with their kids, walking their dog, golfing and more. 

Who is a good candidate for shockwave therapy?

It's great for those who want to avoid surgery or taking strong prescription medication. ESWT is a good option for patients who have not responded to more traditional medical treatments like pain injections, orthoscopic surgeries or physical therapy. 

What other treatments does shockwave therapy work well with?

Shockwave therapy helps to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing, this may help the patient get better results with chiropractic care, physical therapy and acupuncture because their body is in a better state to heal. Doing the right corrective exercise during the 6-8 weeks of phase 1 of shockwave therapy is also recommended.  The right corrective exercises mean core exercises, low back strengthening exercises and stretching the gluteals and hip flexors; all of these should be done with little to no pain so they do not disrupt recovery. 

How do I find a good shockwave therapy provider near me?

The best way to find a reputable shockwave therapy provider is to search Google, Bing, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.  Many of these social media platforms show an actual shockwave therapy session so you can get an idea of the treatment.  Look at the kind of reviews these providers are getting, and see what kind of results patients are getting with shockwave therapy.  Definitely find a provider who is using either StemWave or SoftWave shockwave therapy.  Ask around, your friends, church members, your MD or orthopedic doctor to see if they know any doctors in the area.  Most of the shockwave therapy providers are chiropractors, physical therapy clinics, orthopedic doctors or sports medicine doctors. 

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