A groundbreaking multi-site clinical trial has shown that acupuncture delivers lasting, meaningful improvements for low back pain in older adults. The study, published in JAMA Network Open (September 2025), involved 800 participants aged 65 and older who had chronic low back pain for at least three months. The results demonstrate that acupuncture is both safe and effective—offering a non-drug alternative to opioids and invasive procedures for this widespread problem.
Large Study Confirms Acupuncture’s Long-Term Benefits
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: usual medical care, standard acupuncture, or enhanced acupuncture. Those receiving acupuncture underwent 8–15 treatments over twelve weeks, with some receiving four to six additional maintenance sessions. All treatments were performed by licensed acupuncturists using manual needle techniques—no electrical stimulation or cupping was allowed—to closely mirror U.S. Medicare coverage standards.
At the six-month follow-up, both acupuncture groups experienced significantly greater reductions in pain-related disability compared to patients receiving usual medical care. These benefits continued through the twelve-month follow-up, confirming that acupuncture provides sustained improvement for low back pain in older adults.
Strong Results Across Multiple Health Systems
The trial took place across four major health systems—Kaiser Permanente Washington, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Sutter Health, and the Institute for Family Health in New York City. The average participant was 73.6 years old, with over 60% women. Nearly half were 75 or older, and many had coexisting pain conditions such as sciatica.
By six months, clinically meaningful improvement—defined as at least a 30% reduction in disability scores—was achieved by 39% of patients receiving standard acupuncture and 44% of those receiving enhanced acupuncture, compared with only 29% in the usual-care group. These improvements persisted at twelve months.
Treatment Fidelity and Safety
Treatment adherence was excellent: more than 80% of participants completed the full course of therapy, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifty-five licensed acupuncturists provided care, tailoring point selection to each patient’s needs while following standardized protocols.
Minor side effects such as mild soreness or bruising occurred in fewer than 10% of treatments—consistent with the strong safety record of acupuncture. No serious adverse events were reported, confirming acupuncture’s excellent risk-benefit profile for low back pain in older adults.
Functional, Emotional, and Quality-of-Life Gains
Beyond physical improvement, participants also reported better mood and social function. Measures of anxiety improved at six and twelve months, while depression scores showed modest but positive change. Enhanced acupuncture provided slightly better pain intensity relief and global improvement ratings than standard acupuncture.
Why This Study Matters
Chronic low back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide and contributes to more than $130 billion in annual U.S. health costs. This large-scale trial adds high-quality evidence that acupuncture is not only effective but also practical for integration into conventional healthcare settings.
For older adults, acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free path to reduced pain, greater mobility, and improved quality of life—without the risks of long-term medication use.
Low back pain in older adults doesn’t have to mean living with constant discomfort or dependency on painkillers. Acupuncture provides a proven alternative supported by rigorous clinical evidence.
Source:
Lynn L. DeBar et al., “Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” JAMA Network Open 8, no. 9 (September 12, 2025).
About Raleigh Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.
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What our Clients are Saying
I came to Raleigh Acupuncture. After 1 treatment, my back felt better than it has in a year. I’ve had acupuncture before elsewhere and it has never been this effective.
I went in for a bulging disc in my back and a couple of days after the first treatment I had no pain in my back. Before treatment I had a constant dull pain in the middle of my back when at rest. The treatments were about a week apart and I completed 3 of them. It has been about 3 weeks since I have been and have a slight pain in my back but is nowhere near what it was before I started treatment. Before getting acupuncture I tried chiropractic and felt worse when I was done. For those that are skeptical like me, let me tell you that it works. I would definitely recommend Dr Mark in his ability to help with your pain.
I suffered from low back pain for years and tried many different remedies. When I came to Raleigh Acupuncture, they really listened to understand my issues. I can honestly say that they cured my chronic back pain. I didn’t think it was possible, after all these years. I highly recommend this practice. The doctors take the time and do good work.
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