Acupuncture Shown to Effectively relieve Chronic Back Pain in Elderly, New study Finds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acupuncture offers a safe and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain in older adults, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open.Researchers found acupuncture provided relief linked to chronic low back pain during follow-up at both six and twelve months, when compared to usual medical care, and demonstrated a low-risk profile.
The study, funded by the National health Institutes of the United states, confirms acupuncture as “an effective and safe therapeutic option for the elderly suffering from chronic low back pain,” researchers stated.
Dr. Pinard, a physician involved in the research, highlighted the meaning of the findings given the complexities of treating older patients. ”These are often people who have other health problems that make,such as,give medication or make infiltration,it can be more complex,” she explained.
The study’s real-world relevance was further emphasized by the fact that nearly 90% of participants across all groups also experienced other musculoskeletal pain. “Unluckily it is rare that people have badly in just one place a little older,” Dr. Pinard noted.
While acknowledging the potential for a placebo effect - as participants were not blinded to their treatment – Dr. Pinard dismissed concerns about its impact. “My goal in life, as a clinician, is that my patient feels better and more functional,” she said. “The placebo effect, we don’t care, provided that it does not pose danger, it’s okay to use it.”
A previous study published twenty years ago in JAMA Internal Medicine by German researchers found acupuncture treatments were twice as effective as usual care in relieving back pain, irrespective of whether the acupuncture was genuine or a sham.
Dr. Pinard underscored that the benefits observed in the recent study were not “spectacular,” but emphasized that even small improvements can substantially impact the quality of life for those living with chronic pain.
The findings also prompt a re-evaluation of the role of “option” health professionals, like acupuncturists, within conventional hospital settings. Dr. Pinard argued that chronic pain management “is not necessarily somthing that must be strictly medical, but in our current system, unfortunately, it is far too much in my eyes.”
She concluded, ”I think the status quo in health is probably not viable… If we worked in the same place, we would establish a real relationship. We will have to open your eyes and learn to work with them.”
