Chronic back pain can often be caused by things like muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or osteoporosis. Anyone can develop chronic back pain at any age, and factors like lack of exercise, excess weight, disease, and physical injury can increase your risk. Acupuncture may help to lessen symptoms of chronic back pain by unblocking energy and restoring your body’s energy and flow. Studies have shown that acupuncture may improve chronic pain by reducing the brain’s response to the pain, as well as improving blood flow to the area causing pain.