Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne is committed to providing safe and effective acupuncture treatments based on the latest scientific evidence. As a clinic that specialises in acupuncture for chronic pain, we understand the importance of long-term safety and effectiveness of our treatments. In this article, we will discuss the findings of two significant research studies on acupuncture’s safety and effectiveness in treating chronic pain. Our goal is to educate our readers on the benefits of acupuncture for managing chronic pain while ensuring that patient safety remains our top priority.
Acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for the management of chronic pain, with a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness. However, concerns about the safety of acupuncture still persist, especially when considering its long-term use. In this article, we will explore the findings of two large-scale studies that shed light on the long-term safety of acupuncture for chronic pain.
The first study, conducted by Witt et al. (2011), was a prospective observational study involving over 229,000 patients who received acupuncture treatment in Germany. The study aimed to assess the safety of acupuncture by monitoring adverse events that occurred within 72 hours of treatment. The results showed that the overall rate of adverse events was low, with only 0.1% of patients reporting serious adverse events. The most common adverse events were mild, such as local bleeding or pain at the site of the acupuncture needle insertion. The study also found that the risk of serious adverse events was higher among patients who had pre-existing health conditions or were taking medications.
The second study, conducted by MacPherson et al. (2017), aimed to identify the characteristics of acupuncture treatment associated with positive outcomes in chronic pain patients. The study analysed individual patient data from 29 randomised controlled trials involving over 17,900 patients with chronic pain. The results showed that acupuncture was effective in reducing chronic pain, with the effects lasting up to 12 months after treatment. Furthermore, the study found that the number of acupuncture sessions, the duration of treatment, and the type of acupuncture did not significantly affect the treatment outcomes. This suggests that acupuncture can be a safe and effective long-term treatment option for chronic pain.
These two studies provide important insights into the long-term safety of acupuncture for chronic pain. While the Witt et al. study found that adverse events were rare and usually mild, it is important for patients to disclose any pre-existing health conditions or medications they are taking before starting acupuncture treatment. Additionally, it is recommended to seek out licensed and qualified acupuncturists who adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards.
The MacPherson et al. study reinforces the potential of acupuncture as a long-term treatment option for chronic pain. Patients may benefit from regular acupuncture sessions as part of a comprehensive pain management plan that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and other therapies. As with any treatment, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of acupuncture with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
In conclusion, acupuncture has been shown to be a safe and effective long-term treatment option for chronic pain. The results of these studies support the use of acupuncture as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. As with any treatment, it is important to seek out licensed and qualified acupuncturists who adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards, and to disclose any pre-existing health conditions or medications before starting treatment.
References:
MacPherson, H., Maschino, A. C., Lewith, G., Foster, N. E., Witt, C. M., & Vickers, A. J. (2017). Characteristics of acupuncture treatment associated with outcome: an individual patient meta-analysis of 17,922 patients with chronic pain in randomised controlled trials. PLoS One, 12(3), e0173011. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal
Witt, C. M., Pach, D., Brinkhaus, B., Wruck, K., Tag, B., Mank, S., … & Willich, S. N. (2011). Safety of acupuncture: results of a prospective observational study with 229,230 patients and introduction of a medical information and consent form. Forschende Komplementärmedizin, 18(5), 251-257. https://doi.org/10.1159/000329183