Study Highlights Acupuncture as a Relief for Chronic Back Pain
With chronic back pain affecting nearly one in four adults, many individuals in the U.S. are turning to options other than opioids for relief. A new study, called BackInAction, reveals that acupuncture might be an effective method for alleviating pain among adults.
This research, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), compared traditional medical treatments like medications and physical therapy with a regimen that included acupuncture.
The study involved 800 participants aged 65 and older, all of whom had been dealing with chronic low back pain for at least three months. They were divided into three groups: one receiving usual care only, another receiving up to 15 acupuncture treatments over three months, and a third group receiving up to 21 acupuncture treatments that included six maintenance sessions over six months.
Results indicated that those who received acupuncture experienced a notable decrease in pain-related disability compared to those who only received traditional care, both at the six-month and twelve-month marks. Additionally, participants reported less intense pain, improved physical function, and lower anxiety levels.
Acupuncture is a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and has been available in the U.S. since the 1970s. It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body.
Lynn DeBar, Ph.D., the lead author of the study, noted that while the impact of acupuncture may be modest, the benefits are both positive and long-lasting. Co-lead researcher Andrea Cook, Ph.D., remarked that older adults often have multiple health issues along with back pain. She emphasized that acupuncture is a safer, less invasive option compared to many common treatments for back pain.
According to the NIH, the number of adults using acupuncture has increased from 1% in 2002 to 2.2% in 2022—more than doubling in two decades. This trend reflects a growing interest in alternative treatments for pain management, with over 72% of those seeking acupuncture doing so for pain relief.
The findings from this study could provide a valuable addition to the options available for managing chronic back pain, offering hope to many looking for effective, safer alternatives.
