Scientific Studies of Acupuncture and the Treatment of Pain

Acupuncture better than drugs alone for osteoarthritis of the knee

Acupuncture, as a complementary therapy to drug treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, is more effective than drug treatment alone, find researchers from Spain.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is common, affecting almost a tenth of the population aged over 55. The role of acupuncture in osteoarthritis remains controversial and few studies comparing acupuncture and drug treatment have been conducted.

The acupuncture group had a greater reduction in pain and stiffness, improved physical functioning and quality of life than the placebo group.

For more information on this subject please visit http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-11/bmj-abt111704.php

Acupuncture treatment may be more effective than conventional therapy in treating lower back pain

Six months of acupuncture treatment appears to be more effective than conventional therapy in treating low back pain, according to a study in the Sept. 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

“Low back pain is a common, impairing and disabling condition, often long-term, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 70 percent to 85 percent,” the authors write as background information in the article. “It is the second most common pain for which physician treatment is sought and a major reason for absenteeism and disability.” Acupuncture is increasingly used as an alternative therapy, but its value as a treatment for low back pain is still controversial.

“The superiority of acupuncture suggests a common underlying mechanism that may act on pain generation, transmission of pain signals or processing of pain signals by the central nervous system and that is stronger than the action mechanism of conventional therapy,” the authors conclude. “Acupuncture gives physicians a promising and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain, with few adverse effects or contraindications. The improvements in all primary and secondary outcome measures were significant and lasted long after completion of treatment.”

For more information on this subject please visit http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-09/jaaj-atm092007.php

Chris Di Tecco is an acupuncturist and herbalist at Southdown Chiropractic and Wellness in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.