Most Americans will experience back pain at some point, and having acupuncture for back pain can be an effective treatment option. The Chinese method of using tiny needles to target key points in the body has been practiced for thousands of years, and can alleviate a variety of other ailments too. However, many people try acupuncture specifically to relieve pain, and the technique is so effective as it focuses on the body’s energy points or meridians, some of which are directly linked to muscles and nerves in the back. The needles aren’t inserted in your back; rather they are typically in the feet, knees, hips and stomach to target back pain. Although everyone is different, you’ll probably need at least a few acupuncture sessions before you notice any difference, and as any expert will tell you, the needles don’t hurt and are 100 percent safe.