Research highlights acupuncture’s potential to alleviate pain, enhance function, and provide a safe alternative for patients unresponsive to conventional care. However, further studies are necessary to validate its long-term effectiveness.
Chou et al. (2007) provided joint clinical practice guidelines from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society for diagnosing and managing low back pain. The guidelines recommend acupuncture as an option for patients with chronic low back pain who do not respond to conventional treatments. They emphasise a patient-centered approach, balancing benefits, risks, and patient preferences while encouraging more research on long-term outcomes.
Reference List
Chou, R., Qaseem, A., Snow, V., Casey, D., Cross, J. T., Jr, Shekelle, P., Owens, D. K., Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee of the American College of Physicians, American College of Physicians, & American Pain Society Low Back Pain Guidelines Panel (2007). Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Annals of internal medicine, 147(7), 478–491. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00006
Cherkin, D. C., Sherman, K. J., Avins, A. L., Erro, J. H., Ichikawa, L., Barlow, W. E., Delaney, K., Hawkes, R., Hamilton, L., Pressman, A., Khalsa, P. S., & Deyo, R. A. (2009). A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Archives of internal medicine, 169(9), 858–866. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2009.65
Rajfur, J., Rajfur, K., Kosowski, Ł., Walewicz, K., Dymarek, R., Ptaszkowski, K., & Taradaj, J. (2022). The effectiveness of dry needling in patients with chronic low back pain: a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. Scientific reports, 12(1), 15803. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19980-1
Vas, J., Perea-Milla, E., Méndez, C., Sánchez Navarro, C., León Rubio, J. M., Brioso, M., & García Obrero, I. (2006). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic uncomplicated neck pain: a randomised controlled study. Pain, 126(1-3), 245–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2006.07.002