Archives of Internal Medicine: Chronic LBP and Acupuncture

Ina study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, copyrighted bythe American Medical Association; a randomized controlled trial wasdone on the effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Lower Back Pain. Thestudy specifically investigated the effectiveness of acupuncturecompared to minimal or no acupuncture in chronic lower back painpatients.

Ina study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, copyrighted bythe American Medical Association; a randomized controlled trial wasdone on the effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Lower Back Pain. Thestudy specifically investigated the effectiveness of acupuncturecompared to minimal or no acupuncture in chronic lower back painpatients.

The acupuncture professionals utilized had at least140 hours of training, and at least 350 hours of experience. Thepatients were clinically diagnosed as having chronic lower back painfor 6 or more years, 40-75 years old, and average pain intensity of 40for 7 days prior to the studies onset. Those with disc problems wereexcluded, as were any significant spinal problem patients and thosewith any acupuncture treatment in the year before the study. The studywas done over 8 weeks, with 12 treatments for 298 patients wereincluded in the final results.

In conclusion they found thatacupuncture did improve pain in chronic LBP patients, though it foundno difference between acupuncture and minimal acupuncture. Overall theacupuncture group faired slightly better than the minimal acupuncturegroup. It was noted though after 8, 26, and 52 weeks later, they fairedabout the same.

Since, another study of 600 also in the archivesof internal medicine, showed that acupuncture patients found morereduction in LBP than those that were treated with conventionalmedicine. It was funded by the National Institutes of Health, and 2groups received acupuncture with a third received a placebo version ofacupuncture, while the fourth group were strictly conventional means.

Thisstudy, over seven weeks, the first 3 groups experienced noticeablyhigher reduction in LBP than the conventionally treated group. Even theplacebo group realized added benefit. While 60% of the acupuncturetreatment group experienced notable positives from their treatment,only 39% of the conventional treatment group experienced reasonablebenefit.

The results raised a number of questions related to the psychological impact of acupuncture on the patients.

Forthe person with chronic lower back pain, this may very much be abenefit. Acupuncture is often much more affordable than conventionaltreatments. In a nation where Americans are spending $37 billionannually for medical treatment for back pain, this offers a potentiallysuccessful alternative.

Acupuncture and other oriental medicineare becoming more recognized as valid means of treatment in the UnitedStates. Most states now regulate it and have created some standards toassure professional treatment, and also require licensing to track itmore (just like they do for conventional medicine).

Further anumber of insurance companies now provide at least a limited benefitfor this alternative medicine, as they realize it can reduce theirexpenses while helping their policy holders.

Inthe end, if you experience lower back pain; chronic or otherwise…Acupuncture may be a solution to help reduce or remove your pain too.Take the time to get a further understanding of Acupuncture Bellevue , and find a local qualified and experienced practitioner to assist you as they have others.

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