Acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for chronic pain management. Two recent studies have investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating chronic pain. The first study by Schnyer et al. (2020) compared traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medical acupuncture in treating low back pain, while the second study by Pain et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for chronic pain in adults.
Schnyer et al. (2020) conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing TCM and Western medical acupuncture for treating low back pain in a population that showed a high placebo response. The study found that both TCM and Western medical acupuncture were effective in reducing pain intensity, but TCM acupuncture had a more significant effect on reducing disability compared to Western medical acupuncture. The study suggests that TCM acupuncture may have additional benefits beyond pain relief in the treatment of low back pain.
Pain et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating chronic pain in adults. The study found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture, usual care, and no treatment in reducing chronic pain intensity, improving physical function, and quality of life. The authors conclude that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic pain in adults.
Acupuncture has emerged as a promising alternative therapy for chronic pain management. The studies by Schnyer et al. (2020) and Pain et al. (2021) suggest that acupuncture, both TCM and Western medical acupuncture, is effective in reducing pain intensity and improving physical function and quality of life in patients with chronic pain. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects and optimal treatment regimens for acupuncture in chronic pain management.
References:
Pain, S., Farquhar-Smith, P., Eccleston, C., & Williams, A. C. (2021). Acupuncture for chronic pain in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology, 60(3), 753-762. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keaa861
Schnyer, R. N., Conboy, L. A., Jacobson, E., McKnight, P., Goddard, T., Moscatelli, F., Legedza, A., Kerr, C., Kaptchuk, T. J., & Wayne, P. M. (2020). Acupuncture for low back pain: A randomized clinical trial comparing traditional Chinese acupuncture, therapeutic acupuncture, and usual care. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(10), 877-887. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0137