Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
(Spine)
Acupuncture treatment for low back pain-effectiveness
Objective
To evaluate the totality of evidence in relation to the effectiveness of acupuncture for nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).
Summary of background data
Acupuncture has become a popular alternative for treating clinical symptoms of NSCLBP. A number of RCTs have examined the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of NSCLBP.
Methods
A systematic literature search was completed without date or language restrictions up to May 2012. Studies included in the review were RCTs that examined all forms of acupuncture that adhered to the Traditional Acupuncture Theory for treating NSCLBP. Outcome measures included impairment, activity limitation, and participation restriction. The methodological quality of the studies was examined using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
Results
Thirty-two studies were included in the systematic review, of which 25 studies presented relevant data for the meta-analysis. Acupuncture had a clinically meaningful reduction in levels of self-reported pain (mean difference =-16.76 [95% confidence interval, -33.33 to -0.19], P = 0.05, I = 90%) when compared with sham, and improved function (standard mean difference =-0.94 [95% confidence interval, -1.41 to -0.47], P < 0.00, I = 78%) when compared with no treatment immediately postintervention. Levels of function also clinically improved when acupuncture in addition to usual care, or electroacupuncture was compared with usual care alone. When acupuncture was compared with medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and analgesics) and usual care, there were statistically significant differences between the control and the intervention groups but these differences were too small to be of any clinical significance. There was no evidence in support of acupuncture over transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Can acupuncture help low back pain
This systematic review demonstrates that acupuncture may have a favorable effect on self-reported pain and functional limitations on NSCLBP. However, the results should be interpreted in the context of the limitations identified, particularly in relation to the heterogeneity in the study characteristics and the low methodological quality in many of the included studies.
For the full article text go to:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24026151
For the abstract and full text of a similar article on the effectiveness of acupuncture on acute back pain go to:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23269281
Acupuncture treatment for low back pain in Worthing
At Broadwater Osteopaths we are fortunate to have 3 osteopaths who use modern acupuncture and 2 traditionally trained acupuncturists. Take a look here at our treatment information regarding acupuncture. Our osteopaths are trained to assess back pain, find out the reasons for your back pain, help in formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan for you. They will take in to account, any past medical history, your current health status, lifestyle, activity levels and occupation and assess your how your back is working in relationship to the rest of your spine and joints. Treatment with some of our osteopathic team may also include the use of acupuncture, as appropriate and following joint decision making discussions of both therapist and patient.
