Research shows acupuncture improves low back pain. CLICK HERE FOR ABSTRACT This article reviews the study and outlines the findings.
Background
The study was published in the journal Pain in October 2002. The question asked was “Does acupuncture improve outcomes when added to standard Western medical treatment for low back pain?” It was a randomized, blinded, controlled trial that included a 3 month follow up.
Methods
This study had three parallel groups, where both the patient and the observer were blinded. It also incorporated sham acupuncture, which is fake acupuncture using non-acupuncture points instead of real points. The study included a follow-up three months later.
There were 186 participants in the study. They were in-patients in a rehabilitation center who had been suffering with low back pain for more than 6 weeks with a pain greater than 5 out of 10. These participants were divided into 3 random groups. 4 weeks of treatment were applied. 174 patients met the protocol criteria and reported after treatment, and 124 reported after the 3 month follow up.
Group 1 received real acupuncture and standard Western medical treatment for back pain. This group received 12 treatments of real acupuncture as well as conservative orthopedic treatment.
Group 2 received 12 treatments of non-specific needling as well as conservative orthopedic treatment.
Group 3 received conservative orthopedic treatment alone.
The real and fake acupuncture treatments were blinded (hidden) from both the patients and examiners.
Results
Low back pain was reduced by:
65% in Group 1 (real acupuncture plus Western conservative treatment)
34% in Group 2 (fake acupuncture plus Western conservative treatment)
43% in Group 3 (no acupuncture plus Western conservative treatment)
Three months later:
Group 1 had 77% improvement
Group 2 had 29% improvement
Group 3 had 14% improvement
Conclusion: Research Shows Acupuncture Improves Low Back Pain
Adding acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain dramatically improved outcomes during the 4 week treatment cycle.
Even more dramatic were the results three months later, when the real acupuncture group reported 77% less low back pain compared to only 14% improvement from Western treatment alone.
The study concluded, “Acupuncture can be an important supplement of conservative orthopedic treatment in the management of chronic low back pain.”
Raleigh Acupuncture Back Pain Treatment
Our success rate treating low back pain is over 90%. We encourage you to try acupuncture for all types of back pain. To learn more about our treatment watch this video.
For more information, click HOW WE TREAT LOW BACK PAIN.
What To Expect
We use sterile, single-use, hair thin needles. You will hardly feel them. Treatments are relaxing. Many of our patients fall asleep during their sessions. Acupuncture heals your back while you rest. Afterwards you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Next Steps
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online. Or call us at 919-819-8113 and we will schedule an appointment for you. There is no doubt – Research shows acupuncture improves low back pain!
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.
