Back pain? Stick a needle in it!
Take Home Messages:
Acupuncture is a useful tool in the treatment of chronic low back pain.
Why the research matters:
Low back pain is very common, and a significant source of economic burden. Furthermore, in many cases back pain is a chronic condition, with symptoms lasting for over a year. Therefore finding techniques for alleviating low back pain is a high priority.
What the research involved:
This study reviewed studies on the use of acupuncture to treat low back pain. A search of the literature was conducted to identify all studies on this topic that have been published in English thus far. High quality randomised control trials (studies that compared treatment with acupuncture to no treatment) were eligible for inclusion in the review.
Summary of research findings:
23 studies were included in the review, with a total of 6359 participants.
The review found:
- The use of acupuncture is likely to provide greater short-term relief of low back pain than no treatment;
- There is no difference in pain relief or functional improvement with acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture;
- Acupuncture combined with conventional therapy is more effective than conventional therapy alone for relieving low back pain and improving functioning; and
- The effectiveness of acupuncture alone compared to conventional therapy for the treatment of low back pain requires further investigation.
The study recommended acupuncture be used as part of chronic low back pain treatment.
Original research:
Effectiveness of acupuncture for low back pain: a systematic review.
Yuan J, Purepong N, Kerr DP, Park J, Bradbury I, McDonough S.
Spine. 2008 Nov 1;33(23):E887-900