With almost a quarter of all adults experiencing chronic low back pain, many Americans are now seeking opioid alternatives for meaningful relief.
A recent study, “Backinaction,” shows that manual acupuncture may be an effective pain treatment for adults. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) foundation study compared regular medical care, such as drugs and physical therapy, with similar care and acupuncture.
Common lower back pain medications associated with brain health risks in some patients
The trial included 800 men and women over the age of 65 with chronic low medical history. Back pain It lasts for at least three months. Participants were divided into three different groups: normal care only, up to 15 acupuncture treatments over 3 months, up to 21 acupuncture treatments – 15 standard sessions and 6 maintenance sessions over 6 months.
Researchers found that both groups receiving acupuncture reported greater reductions It is related to pain Disability more than the usual care group at 6- and 12-month assessments.
Other benefits of acupuncture were reduced pain intensity, improved physical function, and reduced anxiety symptoms.
Acupuncture is traditional Chinese herbal medicine It was introduced to the United States in the 1970s.
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According to the NIH, the technique consisted of inserting fine needles into the skin at specific anatomical grid points.
Lead Research Author Lyn Deval said, the effect size was modest, but it was positive and lasting.
“Our clinical results suggest that acupuncture works similarly to many things that are more familiar to people,” Deval said in a press release.
Co-led researcher Andreacque said seniors often trade with others Medical problems In addition to lower back pain.
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“Acupuncture offers a less invasive option with a better safety profile than many common treatments for back pain in older adults,” Cook said in the release.
According to the NIH, the proportion of adults using acupuncture has increased from 1% in 2002 to 2.2% in 2022.
Over 72% of Americans who owned it Treatment I used it for pain.
