I i didnt find acupuncture that good at pain relief but it may have just been the person doing it, some people can have surgery with acupuncture as the pain relief. Have you tried traction? The first session for me eased the pain a lot while i was being pulled but it came back straight after being released but not as much. The relief of being able to relax while being stretched was great especially after being tensed up for two months. My back problems started on 15th may this year and im still no better. Im hoping facet joint injections are going to help me get back to work but on the nhs the first consult is not untill November, hopefully my private medical insurance will cover it before then.