Acupuncture has become an increasingly recognized alternative therapy for cervical radiculopathy (CR), neck pain, and lower back pain.
Cox et al. (2016) reviewed acupuncture therapies for musculoskeletal disorders of the extremities, finding moderate evidence that acupuncture can reduce pain and improve function in conditions like tendinopathy and arthritis. While results are promising, further high-quality research is needed to confirm acupuncture’s effectiveness and refine treatments.
Yuan et al. (2015) provided evidence with moderate strength indicating that acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping therapy can reduce pain and disability in chronic neck and low back pain patients. However, the authors noted that further high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings.
Vas et al. (2012) found that acupuncture may help reduce pain and improve function in patients with acute low back pain when combined with standard care. The study suggests acupuncture as a complementary option for managing acute low back pain, with further research needed to explore long-term outcomes and refine treatment approaches.
These findings suggest that acupuncture may be a viable treatment option for individuals suffering from CR, neck pain, and lower back pain. However, it is important to note that while acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, there are some risks and side effects associated with the procedure, such as soreness, bleeding, and infection at the insertion site. Therefore, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider and choose a qualified and licensed practitioner.
Reference Lists
Cox, J., Varatharajan, S., Côté, P., & Optima Collaboration (2016). Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapies to Manage Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Extremities: A Systematic Review. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 46(6), 409–429. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2016.6270
Vas, J., Aranda, J. M., Modesto, M., Benítez-Parejo, N., Herrera, A., Martínez-Barquín, D. M., Aguilar, I., Sánchez-Araujo, M., & Rivas-Ruiz, F. (2012). Acupuncture in patients with acute low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial. Pain, 153(9), 1883–1889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2012.05.033
Yuan, Q. L., Guo, T. M., Liu, L., Sun, F., & Zhang, Y. G. (2015). Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 10(2), e0117146. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117146