When you’re dealing with ongoing back pain, you’ve likely already tried physical therapy, stretching, or medication—but nothing is really getting rid of it.
You might be searching for answers like:
“Why does my back pain keep coming back?”
“Lower back pain sitting vs standing”
“Chronic back pain treatment NYC”
We treat complex back pain conditions including:
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief
If you’re ready for a different approach, we’re here to help.
What Patients Often Notice
- Reduced pain and stiffness
- Greater ease with movement
- Improved sleep
- Fewer flare-ups
- A clearer sense of how their body is responding and improving
Over time, many find they’re no longer thinking about their pain throughout the day.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Back Pain
Acupuncture does not involve the downtime associated with surgery and does not have the side effects associated with long term use of painkillers. Acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment that enhances the body’s natural ability to heal. Benefit of acupuncture include:
What to Expect
Why Kristin Cheng, L.Ac., MSTOM
Kristin Cheng knows what it means to live inside a body that has to perform.
As a professional dancer, she didn't just use her body — she listened to it, pushed it, coaxed it, demanded everything from it, and learned to recognize the difference between the voice that says rest and the voice that says go. She learned that the body is not a machine you operate. It's a conversation you're always having.
Then she became a mother.
And everything she thought she knew about performance got rewritten.
Because now performance isn't just about the stage. It's about the morning you have nothing left but still show up. It's about the relationship that needs your full presence when you're already empty. It's about the career you're building, the life you're living, the version of yourself you're still becoming — and the body underneath all of it that either carries you forward or quietly holds you back.
Kristin became an acupuncturist because she wanted to give other people what she'd spent years learning herself: that when your body functions the way it was designed to, everything else becomes possible. Not easier, necessarily. But possible in a way it simply wasn't before.
Her patients aren't just healing. They're preparing. For the hard conversation, the big presentation, the next season of their lives. For the kind of performance that doesn't happen on a stage — it happens in the thousand small moments that make up who you are.
Kristin sees all of it. The dancer's discipline is still in her hands.
FAQ
What if I’ve already tried everything?
We’ve treated many patients who have “tried everything” before coming to us and they tend to respond very well to acupuncture treatments.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your condition, but you’ll receive clear guidance from the beginning. Generally speaking, the more chronic the condition, the more treatments will be needed.
Is acupuncture effective for chronic back pain?
Yes, acupuncture is considered an effective treatment for chronic back pain. Studies have shown that it can provide lasting relief and improve function for people suffering from chronic back pain. It works by improving circulation to affected tissues to promote healing, releasing trigger points and adhesions, and triggering the body to release natural anti-inflammatory agents and natural pain-killers. Acupuncture also addresses root causes of pain and dysfunction for long-lasting results.
What should I expect during an acupuncture session for back pain?
During an acupuncture session for back pain, a licensed acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific points on your body. The needles are typically left in place for about 20-30 minutes. The procedure is usually painless, and many patients find it relaxing. Your acupuncturist may also use additional techniques like cupping or moxibustion to enhance the treatment.
Are there any side effects of acupuncture for back pain?
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Some patients might experience minor side effects such as slight bruising, soreness at the needle sites, or temporary dizziness. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Discuss any concerns with your acupuncturist before starting treatment. Patients generally experience benefits beyond their primary complaint including improvement in sleep, mood, and energy.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments for back pain?
Yes, acupuncture can be effectively combined with other treatments for back pain, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medication. Many patients find that a multidisciplinary approach provides the best results for managing back pain. Acupuncture can also help with recovery from back surgery, or provide relief in cases where surgery was not successful.
Does acupuncture hurt?
In short, no.
Acupuncture needles are up to 30x thinner than hypodermic needles (the kind you would typically encounter in a doctor's office). Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are not hollow - they are solid. This allows them to be extremely thin, flexible, and designed with your comfort in mind. They are also sterile and single-use.
While there is sometimes a momentary pinch as the needles is placed, there should not be any lingering discomfort. We take great care in maintaining open communication so that you have a very comfortable session.
Even our patients who first came to us with a fear of needles come to love their treatments and find them very relaxing!
Our Location
We are conveniently located in Manhattan on 14th St. at the intersection of
-Union Square
-Chelsea
-Greenwich Village
39 W 14th St. Suite 502
New York, NY 10011
We are accessible by subway, the PATH, and multiple bus lines.
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief
If you’re ready for a different approach, we’re here to help.
