Search

Important Note: The following information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

vecteezy_backbone-disease-diagnostics-backache-treatment_9361079

Acupuncture for managing lumbar pain

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.

 

Cherkin et al. (2009) conducted a randomised trial comparing acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and conventional care for chronic low back pain. Both acupuncture and electro-acupuncture showed therapeutic benefits in reducing pain and improving function. The study supports acupuncture as a viable treatment option for chronic low back pain and underscores the importance of further research to understand its underlying mechanisms.
 
Vas et al. (2006) conducted a randomised controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic uncomplicated neck pain. The study found that acupuncture provided greater pain relief and improved neck function compared to sham acupuncture and standard care. The authors concluded that acupuncture is a safe treatment option, but further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.
 

Rajfur et al. (2022) conducted a randomised, single-blinded study to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling in patients with chronic low back pain. The study found that dry needling reduced pain intensity and improved functional outcomes compared to standard care. The authors recommended further research to validate its long-term efficacy.

 

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 medicine147(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 medicine169(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 reports12(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

 

 

Share this post