Back Pain Acupuncture Brisbane.
Holistic relief from chronic low back pain and acute low back pain with acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in Brisbane
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Back pain, particularly chronic low back pain, is one of the most common health concerns worldwide, affecting millions of pain patients. Whether linked to posture, muscle strain, injury, or an underlying condition, back pain can significantly impact quality of life. While conventional medical treatments such as medication or physiotherapy may provide pain relief, many people are seeking natural, holistic, and complementary and alternative medicine options, including medical acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and physical medicine, that address both symptoms and root causes of back pain, including treating chronic low back pain and acute low back pain.
Acupuncture for back pain, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, is a safe and evidence-based treatment that uses thin needles at targeted acupuncture points to reduce pain intensity and support long-term well-being, as shown in clinical trials and systematic reviews. At The Shift Clinic in Brisbane, our clinical acupuncture sessions offer a natural and lasting way to treat pain, restore balance, and promote overall health.
Our clinical practice is trusted by hundreds of Brisbane patients
Posted on Megan UsherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t speak highly enough of Katherine and her team. Since my husband and I have been seeing Katherine, our physical and mental health has rapidly improved. Which has impacted our relationships and the general mood of our household. I have personally seen many doctors for my symptoms, but it wasn’t until I started to see Katherine that I truly began to understand my body and start the healing process. I have experienced a dramatic improvement after taking the herbal medicines. My husband had been told by every doctor and specialist that he was totally healthy, and yet he was severely struggling with his symptoms. Katherine was able to identify the reasons for his symptoms very quickly, and he too has experienced a big improvement. I know we still have a way to go, and changing habits can take time. But we are so grateful to have found the Shift Clinic and to finally feel like we are getting somewhere with our health. Katherine’s podcast ‘The Shift with Katherine Maslen’ is also an eye opener and very informative! I have learned so much about the women’s body through listening.Posted on Di BaileyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter referred me to Vanessa Coben as I was experiencing gut issues and was unable to detect or remedy my problems. Vanessa advised me to take on challenges in gut testing and bloods to determine the direction I needed. Vanessa's regular appointments, diagnosis and herbal formulas have exhalted my confidence in a healthy gut. Vanessa is professional, caring, understanding and a very gentle soul. I recommend her to anyone experiencing same problems as I had. I also recommend Shift at Brisbane Natural Health as their staff and administration are warm and friendly inviting a welcoming atmosphere to clients. All the best to everyone at Shift.Posted on Michon van StadenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Katherine and the team at The Shift Clinic were super supportive, friendly and welcoming. After 6 months of treatment with Katherine, my energy is back and my immunity is stronger!Posted on Vicki MachanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I stumbled across Katherine Maslen and her aptly named Shift Clinic through a podcast by Shelly Craft of The Aging Project. Katherine spoke with passion about gut health, which was an area I have struggled with for over a decade. I looked her up and booked an appointment for an assessment and couldn’t get there fast enough ! I was excited and confident that this time I was going to see a change. I wasn’t wrong. The most amazing thing about the Shift Clinic is their team, who are embracing and supportive and work as a collaborative unit. I was ‘project managed’ through months of healing, both physically and holistically. I was introduced to a form of ‘therapy’ I’d never even considered when I met Jess, the clinics Intuitive Healer, who helped me unpack and resolve some personal issues that were roadblocking my emotional progression forward. This complemented my gut healing progress that was being managed so well by both Katherine and Vanessa. I would never have found Jess if not for Katherine, or entertained the idea of something so ‘left field’ for me. The whole experience of being with Shift has been healing, nurturing and uplifting. I’ve progressed on a physical and spiritual level, they’ve educated me on myself, and the team are now an integral part of my life I won’t be leaving behind. I enjoy immersing myself in the tranquility of the clinic, the genuine warmth of the girls at reception when I arrive, the soft music, the herbal tea brewing. It’s like a big, warm hug. I can’t thank them enough or recommend them to enough people. They have changed my life !Posted on Nicole AnnTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There probably isn't enough space to write the long review that Katherine and the whole team at The Shift Clinic truly deserve but I'll start with this. You saved my life. Words will never be enough to express how grateful myself and my family are for the journey that I continue to be on with my healing and growth. The Shift membership is one of the best health models on offer in the world and when things were incredibly dark at my lowest, I was able to receive the help needed from all of my practitioners at the clinic who all knew my history at every appointment without having to continually tell my story from the beginning. It is so beneficial as a patient that all of you work together to heal people. Not only have you all helped lead me towards the light of health, you've been giving me the tools needed to understand how to grow and heal myself. The added bonus I wasn't expecting is how I'm now healing my own home too. The work you all do is changing lives. Thank you for changing mine. I am eternally grateful. XxPosted on Steven CreeveyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started seeing Shift during the Covid pandemic and I was struggling with my overall health. I found the team to be very supportive and focused on the job of assessment, ongoing regular support and providing me with the best supplements and advice for my various health challenges. Thank you Shift and Vanessa for all of your help and guidance.Posted on Brendan VasenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Katherine is wonderful and helped me get on the right track with my diet and healthy eating definitely RecommendPosted on Izzy TanzerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t recommend The Shift clinic and especially Dr Vanessa. After being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease my body felt like it was crashing and I needed help. I would not be where I am today without the help from Dr Vanessa and the knowledge she has passed onto me. She made the process easier and was always there for support when I needed it. The clinic is such a beautiful space and you feel calm as soon as you walk in. The receptionists were always so lovely and helpful and explained the membership process easily. Thank you so much Shift Team xPosted on Cath 71Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It would be fair to say that the last two years, in particular, have been a challenge for me personally. After battling with any number of illnesses over a long period of time, my partner of six years entered a period of rapidly declining health and was deemed a multimorbidity patient. As a result, our planned wedding happened much quicker than expected & I gave up my job to become his full-time carer before he passed away. During his decline my sole focus was him, in some ways to the detriment of my own health and whilst I acknowledge that grief played a major part in some of my weight gain, I also know that I’d developed bad habits over many years; snacking, emotional eating, convenience eating, living a mostly sedentary lifestyle to name just a few. If the loss of my husband taught me anything it is that life is too short and that our health matters! I needed to find something to help me rediscover joy in my life and to help me feel like my old self again. Following a personal recommendation and some google research of my own I came across The Shift Clinic. Having always been an advocate of natural therapies I thought this could be just what I needed to help me find my way back to lightness – physically and emotionally. I joined the 8-week weight loss challenge and I’ve not looked back. My appointments with Hypnotherapist, Rebecca and Naturopath & Nutritionist, Carolyn have provided me with the tools to; identify self-sabotaging behaviours, acknowledge all parts of me, start small, set realistic and achievable goals, feel supported, get back up when I fall, move – even if it’s only for 10 mins at a time, celebrate small wins, stick to the plan and remember that anything is possible. 8-weeks down the track I’m just under 10kg lighter physically. I’ve still got more weight to lose but for the first time in a long time, I know I’ll achieve it because the biggest ‘shift’ for me has been in how I think and how I feel, the routines & rituals I’ve put in place and the way I speak to myself. The Shift Clinic really can help you ‘shift’ you just have to be willing to let it.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Local, convenient clinic in Brisbane
Gentle, effective solutions for back pain in Brisbane
Address
Suite 17, 46 Douglas Street, Milton, Brisbane, QLD, 4064
Booking availability
You can book your initial acupuncture appointment today using our easy online appointment scheduler 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have any questions or wish to book over the phone, please call us on (07) 3367 0337 and we will be happy to help.
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Our acupuncture for back pain approach
During your first appointment, your acupuncturist will review your medical history and discuss your back pain symptoms in detail. Traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic techniques, such as pulse and tongue analysis, may also be used to identify the root cause of your discomfort.
Targeted Chinese acupuncture needles will then be applied to specific points along your meridians to relieve pain, reduce tension and inflammation, and support your body’s natural healing response. Additional therapies, such as cupping, gentle massage or auricular acupuncture when appropriate, may be included to further ease muscle stiffness and improve mobility. Herbal medicine may also be recommended to complement your treatment plan.
How does acupuncture and Chinese medicine help relieve back pain?
Acupuncture, compared with some conventional treatments, helps relieve back pain by activating the body’s natural pain-regulating systems. The placement of fine needles at specific points stimulates sensory nerves, triggering the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that act as the body’s own painkillers. At the same time, acupuncture promotes circulation and reduces inflammation in the tissues around the spine, which supports healing and helps release muscle tension.
What to expect from your back pain acupuncture treatment plan
Pricing
Initial acupuncture appointments at The Shift Clinic are $135 for the first session, and $125 for subsequent sessions. Our acupuncturists are health fund registered and HICAPS is available on site.
Booking
Give our friendly client care team a call on (07) 3367 0337 to book your initial acupuncture appointment or use our easy online booking system.
Arrival
Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to find a park and enjoy a cup of tea and the peaceful atmosphere at Shift. Your practitioner will review your consent form with you before beginning.
Treatment
After your initial consultation, your practitioner will create a personalised treatment plan to support your recovery. In most cases, care begins with weekly sessions at our Brisbane clinic, gradually moving to fortnightly and then monthly visits as your body responds and improves. Each treatment is tailored to your unique needs, with specific techniques and acupuncture points chosen to address the underlying causes of your pain and promote lasting relief.
Why choose Shift for chronic back pain acupuncture in Brisbane?
Our Brisbane clinic is calm and welcoming, designed to put you at ease from the moment you walk in. Our experienced acupuncturists use targeted techniques to relieve pain and muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of back pain. Whether you’re dealing with chronic lower back pain, stiffness from desk work, or recurring strain, our team tailors each session to help restore comfort and mobility.
What you can expect at Shift:
- Appointment times to suit your schedule, Monday to Friday 8am – 7pm
- Convenient clinic location in Milton, close to the CBD
- Instant health fund rebates with HICAPS
- Individualised treatment plans to support long-term recovery
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Our Brisbane based back pain acupuncture specialists
Your acupuncture sessions will be with either Georgie Smith or Jarrah Crabtree, both highly qualified Acupuncturists and Doctors of Chinese Medicine. Georgie brings over a decade of healthcare clinical practice experience as a nurse, midwife, and acupuncturist, treating a wide range of health concerns for both men and women. Jarrah applies the principles of Traditional Chinese medicine, which are rooted in the rhythms of nature, focusing on restoring balance within the body and its connection to the environment, to relieve back pain and support overall wellbeing. Together, they provide personalised, compassionate care designed to help you move more freely and feel at ease.
Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Georgie Smith
Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine
I'm here to help
Ask me a question
Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Jarrah Crabtree
Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine
I'm here to help
Ask me a question
Back pain acupuncture FAQs.
What can I expect during my acupuncture session for back pain relief?
During your acupuncture session for back pain, your practitioner will assess your symptoms and target specific points with sterile, thin needles to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and relieve discomfort. Many clients experience deep relaxation during treatment. Sessions may also include techniques like acupressure or cupping to enhance results. Afterward, your practitioner may suggest simple lifestyle tips, stretches, or posture adjustments to support ongoing recovery and maintain mobility.
How many acupuncture sessions are typically needed before back pain improves?
The number of acupuncture sessions needed for back pain relief varies depending on the severity and duration of your pain, as well as your overall health. Many clients begin to notice improvement after 3 to 6 weekly sessions, with ongoing treatment often recommended to maintain results and support long-term recovery. Your practitioner will create a personalised plan, gradually spacing sessions as your symptoms ease and your body adapts.
Can acupuncture provide relief for both acute and chronic back pain?
Yes,medical acupuncture for chronic back pain, acute low back pain, and related leg pain and neck pain can provide effective relief. For sudden, short-term pain, acupuncture helps reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and calm the nervous system, often providing faster symptom relief. For chronic pain, regular sessions work to address underlying imbalances, decrease inflammation, and promote long-term mobility and comfort. Treatments are tailored to your individual needs, helping support recovery and maintain overall spinal health.
Which specific acupuncture points are most effective for treating back pain?
Medical acupuncture can help ease back pain by stimulating points along the Kidney and Bladder channels to release tension and promote healing. Techniques such as wrist-ankle acupuncture or auricular acupuncture may be used depending on the patient’s symptoms. For acute low back pain, practitioners often focus on tender spots on the back and other key areas that support recovery. If the pain radiates down the leg, as with sciatica, additional points along the leg and buttocks may be included to help reduce discomfort. Ear points, such as Lumbar, Lumbago, Shen Men, and Thalamus, may also be selected depending on the location of your back pain.
Is acupuncture scientifically proven to help with back pain?
Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews indicate that medical acupuncture appears to be effective in treating chronic back pain and reducing pain intensity. Studies show it can provide pain relief and improve function, particularly for chronic lower back pain.
For example, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture, used alone or alongside conventional medical treatments, significantly helped people with chronic low back pain. This 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis also confirmed that acupuncture is effective for chronic low back pain, reducing pain and improving daily function.
While results can vary between individuals, acupuncture is considered a safe and evidence-based option for managing back pain.
Are there any side effects, adverse events or risks associated with acupuncture treatment for back pain?
No, acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Most people with back pain tolerate it well, though some may experience mild soreness, minor bruising, or slight fatigue after treatment. Serious adverse events are rare, and adverse effects reported in clinical practice are typically minimal.
How soon after starting acupuncture treatments will I notice a reduction in my back pain?
The time it takes to notice relief from back pain with acupuncture can vary depending on the person and the severity of the pain. Some people feel improvement after just one session, especially for acute pain, while others with chronic pain may need several sessions over a few weeks to notice a significant reduction. Acupuncturists usually recommend a series of treatments tailored to your condition to achieve the best results and longer-lasting relief.
Can acupuncture help with sciatica or nerve-related back pain?
Yes, acupuncture can help with sciatica and nerve-related back pain. This 2024 study found that acupuncture effectively reduced pain and improved function in patients with sciatica by targeting key points along the back and legs, helping to ease nerve-related symptoms.
Is acupuncture helpful for back pain related to pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture can help relieve back pain during pregnancy by targeting points along the Kidney and Bladder channels to ease tension, relax muscles, and improve circulation. At our clinic, Georgie Smith, a fertility and pregnancy specialist with a background as a midwife and over a decade of healthcare experience, can provide expert support to manage back pain safely throughout pregnancy.
Does acupuncture treat the underlying causes of back pain or just the symptoms?
Acupuncture can help with chronic back pain by not only relieving symptoms like pain and muscle tension but also supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. By improving energy flow along the Kidney and Bladder channels, releasing tight muscles, and enhancing circulation, it works to restore balance and address underlying causes of discomfort. Rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture views the body as connected to the natural rhythms of life, aiming to bring the whole system back into harmony rather than just masking symptoms.
How often should acupuncture treatments be scheduled for effective back pain management?
The frequency of acupuncture treatments for back pain depends on the severity and type of pain. For acute pain, many people may benefit from 1–2 sessions per week until symptoms improve. For chronic pain, a series of weekly treatments for several weeks is often recommended, with the schedule gradually spacing out as pain decreases. Acupuncturists usually tailor the plan to each person’s needs to achieve the best results and longer-lasting relief.
Can acupuncture help reduce the need for pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs for back pain?
Many pain patients find that integrating acupuncture, as part of complementary therapies or alternative medicine, allows them to better treat pain and reduce reliance on conventional medical treatment, improving overall pain control. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture can release natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins, relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Many people find that regular acupuncture treatments allow them to manage pain more effectively and rely less on medication, especially for recurring or chronic pain.
Will my acupuncturist recommend other complementary and alternative medicine and treatments, such as herbal medicine, cupping, or massage, alongside acupuncture for back pain?
Your practitioner may combine Chinese acupuncture with other complementary and alternative medicine techniques rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles. Treatments such as herbal medicine, cupping, or therapeutic massage can support the healing process, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation
Can acupuncture treatment be safely combined with chiropractic care or physiotherapy?
Yes, acupuncture can often be safely combined with chiropractic care or physiotherapy. These therapies can complement each other, with acupuncture helping to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation, while chiropractic adjustments or physiotherapy focus on alignment, movement, and strengthening. When used together under the guidance of trained practitioners, this combined approach can provide more comprehensive relief and support faster recovery from back pain.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Keep your Feet Warm for Optimum Fertility
Transpersonal Shamanic Healing with Kate Little
Benefits Of Acupuncture To Manage Anxiety
Hypnotherapy for Fear of Needles
5 Natural Remedies for Insomnia during Pregnancy
How a Female Fertility Test Works
Natural Treatment for Blastocystis Hominis
Digestive Disorders That Cause Weight Gain









