Get Back to the Activities—and the Life—You Love.
Personalized acupuncture and Chinese medicine for back pain to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things that matter to you.
Back pain can slowly change how you live—whether that means taking the shorter trail, spending less time in the garden, avoiding certain workouts, or putting off adventures you’d really like to take.
It doesn’t have to stay that way.
You’ve Tried to Get Better. But Your Back Pain Keeps Coming Back.
Maybe you’ve stretched, had massages, tried chiropractic care or physical therapy, taken medication, rested—or even had injections.
Some of it may have helped. But the pain keeps returning, or you’re still not able to do the things you want to do.
Over time, you start adjusting your life around your back. You take the shorter trail. Spend less time in the garden. Think twice about a trip or activity because you’re not sure how your back will handle it.
Pain doesn’t have to automatically mean giving up the things you love.
My goal is to understand what may be contributing to your pain and help you move toward better function and recovery—not simply chase symptoms.
“As a runner and general over-doer, I've had my fair share of injuries and quirky physical ailments. I've limped into her office with pain, feeling hopeless, and walked out with relief and a plan for improvement and prevention. She is thorough, thoughtful, and compassionate. I can't recommend her enough.”
— Chad H., Yelp
Back Pain Isn’t the Same for Everyone
I work with people experiencing chronic or recurring low-back pain, sciatica and radiating pain, muscle tension and spasms, disc-related pain, arthritis and degenerative changes, spinal stenosis, SI joint pain, and sports or exercise-related injuries.
Some people come in after a recent injury. Others have been dealing with pain for years.
I treat the person—not just the diagnosis
A Whole-Person Approach to Back Pain
Back pain isn't always about one muscle, one joint, or one finding on an MRI.
Pain can be influenced by muscle tension, inflammation, circulation, movement patterns, previous injuries, sleep, stress, and the way your nervous system processes pain.
Chinese medicine encourages us to look at those relationships and at the person as a whole. I combine that perspective with a modern understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the nervous system.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include acupuncture, electroacupuncture, Tuina (Chinese manual therapy), cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, and individualized nutrition or movement and qigong recommendations.
Because two people can walk into my office with the same diagnosis and need very different treatments.
Adrianna has been my acupuncturist for several years, and I highly recommend her. Her combined skills in acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and cranial-sacral work are exemplary. She has helped me a great deal. Adrianna has treated me for multiple muscular/skeletal issues, especially lower back pain and sciatica, as well as for fatigue, stress, and various other complaints. I really appreciate the way she combines a heartfelt authenticity and upbeat energy with her expertise. Her balance of compassion and professionalism make me both comfortable with her and confident in her treatments and recommendations. The support staff in her office are also friendly and helpful. I have gone to several acupuncturists in Santa Cruz over the last 40 years; while all were helpful, Adrianna definitely has been the best. I look forward to continuing with her treatments for many years to come!
-Anna, Yelp
My Goal Is to Help You Move Again
Pain has a way of slowly making your world smaller.
You stop doing certain things because you're afraid they'll hurt. Eventually, you can find yourself organizing your life around your back.
I want to help reverse that process.
Success isn't just changing a number on a pain scale.
Maybe it's hiking with your partner again. Spending an afternoon gardening. Getting back into the ocean. Traveling without worrying about your back. Playing with your grandchildren. Or simply feeling confident in your body again.
Because feeling better isn’t the finish line. Getting your life back is.
“After several years of searching for the right modalities to resolve chronic pain, I am forever grateful to Adrianna. Her every interaction is infused with a deep tenderness, attentive wisdom and calming caring.”
— Denise A., Yelp
What Can You Expect?
First, I listen.
I want to understand what's happening, what you've already tried, and—most importantly—what your pain is keeping you from doing.
From there, we'll create a treatment plan based on your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, and goals.
And we'll pay attention to the changes that actually matter.
Can you walk farther? Sleep better? Bend more easily? Get back in the garden? Return to your workout? Take that hike?
That's how we'll know we're moving in the right direction.
Meet Dr. Adrianna Gonzalez, DAOM, L.Ac.
I've been studying Chinese medicine and the internal martial arts for more than 25 years and practicing as a licensed acupuncturist for more than 17 years.
My background in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Qigong, Tai Chi, and internal martial arts has shaped the way I think about the body—not as a collection of separate parts, but as an interconnected system that is constantly adapting.
I also integrate modern understandings of anatomy, physiology, and the nervous system into my work.
But one of the most important things I do is much simpler:
I listen.
I want to understand what you're experiencing—and what you want your body to be able to do again.
Because ultimately, treatment isn't just about your back.
It's about your life.
Nervous About Acupuncture?
You're not alone.
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and I use a gentle approach. Many people are surprised by how comfortable—and often relaxing—treatment can be.
You don't have to love needles to benefit from acupuncture.
This Is for People Who Want to Stay Active
You might be a runner, cyclist, martial artist, surfer, or lifelong gym-goer.
Or maybe you simply want to garden, hike, travel, walk your dog, play with your kids or grandchildren, and stay active and independent as you get older.
What matters is that you care about your health and want to participate in getting better.
Ready to Get Back to Doing What You Love?
If back pain has been limiting your life, let's talk.
During a complimentary 15-minute consultation, we'll briefly discuss what's going on, what you've tried, and what you'd like to be able to do again.
I'll explain how I approach back pain and whether acupuncture and Chinese medicine may be appropriate for you.