Acupuncture for Low Back Pain in Phoenix & Chandler, AZ
Yes — acupuncture and dry needling are effective, well-supported treatments for low back pain, whether it's a recent strain or a condition you've lived with for years. At True Acupuncture, we treat low back pain regularly at both our Phoenix and Chandler locations.
What Causes Low Back Pain?
Low back pain can come from a lot of different places: poor posture, tight or weak muscles, spine and disc issues, an old injury, or simply the wear and tear of daily life. It can show up suddenly or build slowly over months. Either way, it tends to affect everything — sitting, sleeping, exercise, even mood.
How We Treat Low Back Pain
We use dry needling as a primary tool for low back pain, and we don't treat it in isolation. A treatment plan looks at the whole picture — posture, muscle tightness, spine and disc health, and lifestyle factors that may be feeding the pain. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, the approach is tailored to what's actually driving it, not just where it hurts.
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Acupuncture can play a meaningful role in reducing or eliminating back pain by shortening recovery time and helping prevent a short-term issue from becoming a chronic one. The treatment is thought to encourage the body to produce natural steroids and endorphins — steroids to reduce inflammation, endorphins to interrupt the pain cycle itself.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your first visit starts with a real conversation — how long you've had the pain, what makes it better or worse, and what you've already tried. From there, your acupuncturist will identify the points most relevant to your specific pain pattern. Most people feel mild sensation at most, and many find the sessions genuinely relaxing. Because pain in the body tends to build up over time, most people need a series of visits rather than a single treatment to see lasting results.
Why Choose True Acupuncture
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Licensed, experienced acupuncturists — David Bell, LAc and Melissa Rambo, LAc both bring years of clinical training to every visit
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Two convenient locations — Phoenix and Chandler
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Insurance and Workers' Comp accepted — acupuncture is covered under Arizona Workers' Compensation for medically necessary treatment, and we can help check your health insurance coverage
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A sliding scale to help keep treatment affordable over a full course of care
What Our Patients Say
"David is absolutely amazing!! I'd give him 10 stars! I've had lower back pain, neck pain, muscle tightness and everything else. Anything I throw at David, he's able to relieve. His acupuncture / cupping is a perfect combination! As a navy veteran, I was able to get the VA to cover it too. Recently moved to Surprise and I still go see David because he's that amazing. I've seen a sports massage therapist before and David blows that out of the water. The relief is practically instantaneous. Recommend David 1,000%!!!"
- Amanda A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover acupuncture for low back pain?
Many plans do, and Medicare has covered acupuncture for chronic low back pain since a 2020 CMS decision, under specific conditions. We can help you check your coverage — just give us a call.
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How many sessions will I need for low back pain?
It varies by person and how long you've had the pain, but acupuncture has a cumulative effect — most people need a series of visits rather than one to feel lasting relief. Your acupuncturist will recommend a plan after your first visit.
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Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
They use similar tools but come from different traditions. We use both approaches, often together, depending on what your low back pain needs.
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Is acupuncture safe for chronic low back pain?
Yes — it's a low-risk, non-invasive option, which is part of why both the VA and Medicare have expanded coverage for it as an alternative to long-term pain medication.
