Efficacy of Acupressure in Managing Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, significantly affecting physical function, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Conventional management strategies, including pharmacological therapy, physical rehabilitation, and surgical interventions, often provide incomplete relief and may be associated with adverse effects or high costs. In recent years, acupressure has emerged as a complementary and non-invasive therapeutic approach rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, based on the stimulation of specific meridian points to restore the body’s energy balance and promote self-healing mechanisms. the efficacy of acupressure in the management of chronic low back pain through a review of clinical outcomes related to pain intensity, functional mobility, and quality of life indicators. Evidence from randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies suggests that acupressure may significantly reduce pain severity, improve lumbar flexibility, decrease muscle tension, and enhance daily functional performance. The proposed mechanisms include improved local blood circulation, endorphin release, neuromodulation of pain pathways, and reduction of stress-related muscle spasm.