Acupuncture Shows Promise for Chronic Low Back Pain Relief

With nearly 25% of adults facing chronic low back pain, many are turning to alternatives to opioids for relief.

A recent research project called “Backinaction” indicates that manual acupuncture could be an effective pain management option for adults. This study, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), compared traditional medical care—including medications and physical therapy—with similar care coupled with acupuncture treatments.

Trial Overview

The trial involved 800 participants aged 65 and older, all of whom had a history of chronic lower back pain lasting at least three months. They were divided into three groups: one receiving standard care only, another receiving up to 15 acupuncture sessions over three months, and a third receiving up to 21 treatments—15 initial sessions followed by 6 maintenance treatments over six months.

Results showed that those in both acupuncture groups experienced a notable reduction in pain-related issues after six and twelve months compared to those who received regular care.

Additional benefits noted included less intense pain, enhanced physical function, and decreased anxiety symptoms. Acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and became known in the U.S. during the 1970s, involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body.

According to Lyn Deval, the lead researcher, the results showed a modest but positive and lasting effect from the acupuncture treatments.

“Our clinical results suggest that acupuncture works similarly to many treatments that people are more familiar with,” Deval noted.

Impact on Older Adults

Co-researcher Dr. Andreacus K.K. mentioned how older adults often contend with multiple health issues alongside their back pain. Acupuncture, he pointed out, presents a less invasive choice that generally has a better safety profile compared to many common pain treatments aimed at older patients.

Interestingly, data from NIH suggests that the number of adults using acupuncture has doubled from 1% in 2002 to around 2.2% by 2022, reflecting a growing acceptance of this alternative therapy. A sizable number—over 72%—of those seeking treatment reported doing so primarily for pain relief.