Low back pain is so debilitating. Let me rephrase that, any pain is debilitating. It affects quality of life, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks and, even more importantly, the activities we love, like going for walks, exercising, or spending time playing with our kids or grandkids.
In fact, low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Rheumatology (1).
This year, acupuncture made major headlines. A large NIH-funded study, published in the highly respected journal JAMA Network Open, found that acupuncture was more effective than standard medical care alone for relieving pain and improving function in adults 65 and older with chronic low back pain.
This randomized controlled trial, the gold standard of research, randomly assigned participants into three groups:
- Usual/standard medical care (medications, patient education, physical therapy)
- Usual care + standard acupuncture
- Standard acupuncture + maintenance acupuncture
The participants received between 8 and 15 sessions over 12 weeks. The maintenance acupuncture group received an additional 4-6 treatments. The results were impressive: those receiving acupuncture had greater improvements in back-pain–related disability at both 6 and 12 months compared with usual medical care alone. The group that received maintenance acupuncture showed a relative benefit over the standard acupuncture group, but both groups showed significant improvement over standard medical care alone.
The study concluded:
“As acupuncture has been found to be more effective and safer than medications for low back pain, and given the potential adverse consequences of polypharmacy among older adults, acupuncture may become an important first-line treatment for chronic low back pain in this population.”(2)
Beyond pain relief, patients in this study also reported significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, showing that acupuncture’s benefits extend beyond the physical.
At Alivia Acupuncture Clinic, we’ve always known that acupuncture is a powerful way to help people find relief, whether it’s from back pain, stress, or the wear and tear of daily life. It’s exciting to see high-quality research confirming what patients have experienced for centuries.
If pain, stress, or fatigue are holding you back, acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and proven path toward healing—at any age, and at any stage of life.
If you or someone you love has been living with persistent pain, especially low back pain, this is the perfect time to explore acupuncture as part of your health path. Whether it’s back pain, tension, or fatigue, my goal is to help you move, rest, and feel like yourself again.
References:
- The Lancet Rheumatology. Global Burden of Low Back Pain Study, 2024. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(23)00098-X/fulltext
- JAMA Network Open. BackInAction Clinical Trial, NIH-funded study, 2025.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2838793
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Acupuncture is not a substitute for professional medical care. Please consult your primary care provider or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health concerns or before beginning new treatments. Individual experiences may vary.
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