Many studies have been done on the use of acupuncture for low back pain. A recent review of all the latest studies found no less than 1,600 new studies just in the last two years. But not all studies are equal in design and quality. So coming to any firm conclusions can be difficult.
Among the studies considered, all types of treatment comparisons were made. For example, acupuncture was compared with sham treatment. Acupuncture was compared with no treatment. Some looked at the results of acupuncture compared to traditional methods. Other studies compared acupuncture alone versus acupuncture combined with traditional (conventional) therapy.
In each study, the treatment procedures were checked for adequacy. In layman’s terms we would say the technique used had to be up to snuff. In other words, the protocol used had to match what was published in textbooks, taught in up-to-date programs, and practiced in advanced clinical settings. Details of acupuncture treatment such as points selected for needling, number of points needled, length of time needles were kept in, and number of sessions were evaluated.
The results were measured in different ways as well. But the most typical outcome measures were pain intensity, function, disability, general health status, and return to work (yes versus no, length of time off work). There was moderate evidence that acupuncture was better than no treatment. At the same time, sham acupuncture worked just as well as true acupuncture. Sham acupuncture means the needles were not placed at true acupuncture points, they were only inserted a little way into the skin, and they were not stimulated (moved or twisted) like true acupuncture needles would be.
There was moderate evidence that acupuncture was effective for short-term relief of pain. Relief of pain was directly linked with improved function, so it was inferred that acupuncture also improved function. There was conflicting evidence for pain relief over a longer (intermediate) amount of time.
When acupuncture was compared with other treatment (e.g., electrical stimulation, medication, massage), there was a wide range of results. Massage produced better short- and long-term results for improved function and pain relief. There was no difference between acupuncture and self-care. There was evidence that acupuncture combined with conventional therapy had the best results. But problems with study design and fewer than 40 patients in a group weakened the evidence. Specific comparisons between acupuncture and chiropractic care were not reported.