Low back pain
Acupuncture & Dry Needling for Low Back Pain in Denver
Lasting Relief Without Medication at Uptown Acupuncture
Are you struggling with low back pain that’s interfering with your daily life? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with it. At Uptown Acupuncture in Denver, we specialize in acupuncture and dry needling treatments for low back pain that actually work.
Whether your pain is the result of a herniated disc, muscle strain, sciatica, chronic tension, or just years of wear and tear, we’re here to help you move freely and feel better—without relying on pain meds or invasive procedures.
Why Choose Uptown Acupuncture for Low Back Pain in Denver?
Our clinic has over two decades of experience helping people just like you get real, lasting relief from lower back pain. We combine ancient acupuncture techniques with modern dry needling to target the root cause of your discomfort.
Personalized Care
Every body is different. We take the time to understand your history, pain patterns, and goals—so your treatment is tailored to your unique needs.
Fast, Lasting Relief
Most of our patients begin to feel relief within just a few sessions. In many cases, we’ve helped reduce pain levels from an 8/10 to a 2–3/10 with consistent treatment.
Licensed, Trusted, Experienced
Led by a licensed acupuncturist with 24 years of clinical experience, Uptown Acupuncture is a trusted resource for both everyday people and professional athletes dealing with low back pain.
What’s the Difference Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Acupuncture is a time-tested method that improves circulation, calms the nervous system, and promotes natural healing. Dry needling is a modern technique used to release tight muscles and trigger points that contribute to low back pain. Both are minimally invasive, drug-free, and highly effective—especially when combined.
Conveniently Located in Central Denver
Our clinic is easily accessible from Capitol Hill, City Park, Congress Park, Cheesman Park, Five Points, and all surrounding neighborhoods. We offer flexible scheduling and same-week appointments.
Conditions We Treat:
- Pain after surgery or injections
- Degenerative disc disease
- Postural imbalances
- Sports injuries
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs
- Muscle spasms or tension
- Chronic low back pain
Ready to Feel Better?
Don’t let back pain control your life. Take the first step toward relief today.
Or call us at (303) 200-0491 to speak with our team.
Real Results from Real People
Michael was great to work with during my training. He truly helped me perform my best and recover from injuries more quickly.
Mike Alvarado Former Top Rank WBO light welterweight champion
Great to work with Mike it really goes a long way when you can stay humble and make people around you feel comfortable. He has really helped me out with my professional fighters, getting them ready for a big combat events. Thank you very much appreciate what you do and the love you have for your profession.
Juan “Jon Jon” Vigil Trainer for Mike Alvarado
I highly recommend Michael for all your acupuncture needs. He’s incredibly skilled, knowledgeable, and truly takes the time to listen. His expertise with athletes at all levels is impressive, and he always seems to know exactly what’s needed. Whether you’re a competitive or recreational athlete, or just a parent chasing kids around, you can trust Michael to help you get back on your feet (literally!), feel great and perform at your best.
Caroline O’ConnorFrequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture is a primary health care modality that has flourished in China for over 2,500 years and is widely used throughout Asia and in Europe. It is considered one of the newest primary health care provisions in this country. Acupuncture has grown as both western and oriental health care providers, medical researchers, and the public experience it, integrate it in their health care and spread its benefits. Far more than a technique of inserting tiny threadlike needles along meridian lines of the body, acupuncture’s complex system of diagnostic corollaries take into consideration you as a whole, not just isolated symptoms.
Acupuncture is practiced based on discerning a “pattern of disharmony” and treating accordingly. Acupuncture treats to strengthen your physical body, prevent disease, control pain, and achieve longevity. You will find the aim, as practiced in oriental medicine in general, is not limited to ridding or relieving symptoms. The larger picture is to increase both the quality of your life and your ability to function.
Acupuncture is a therapy which uses natural laws and energetics with the application of needles and pressure to specific “points” on the body. These points are grouped along specific pathways or meridians that cross the body. As long as the energy flows freely through these pathways, health is maintained. When the flow of energy is either absent, deficient, interrupted, excessive or blocked in an area, health is disrupted, resulting in illness or pain. By stimulating appropriate acupuncture points along these meridians, the energy is released and regulated, and health is restored.
Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows it releases endorphins from the brain which make acupuncture particularly effective in pain control. Among a host of factors, acupuncture affects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system. Acupuncture works with the body, harmonizing and balancing energy. It improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.
Yes. Because acupuncture treatment is drug-free, you avoid the risk of drugs which can cause many side-effects or dependency. During each acupuncture session your acupuncturist can adjust the treatment according to your symptoms so that you receive constant monitoring of any changes.
Acupuncturists receive extensive training and are licensed by strict state and country regulatory boards. Many highly trained acupuncturists work closely with medical doctors in their local community who regularly find the combination of treatments is very effective and beneficial for the patient.
Michael is a preferred provider for many large networks. It may be covered depending on the plan that you have through a certain network. We are more than happy to call and check for you to see if it is covered under your insurance. If it is covered we will take care of sending off all claims so you do not need to worry about any of the paperwork.
…About whether or not acupuncture is for you:
I am available for a courtesy consultation in person or by phone as time permits about any questions about acupuncture. Send us a message here.
…About your response to care:
If you have any problems, concerns, emergencies, or questions about acupuncture, please call me at (303) 200-0491. If my answering machine responds to your call, please leave a message. I check my messages regularly and will respond to your call promptly about answering any of your questions about acupuncture.
We are here to serve you and give you the very best of care.














I trust Michael Lay, L.Ac. for all of my acupuncture needs. He helps keep me in the game.
Erik Pears Former Denver Bronco