Archives Of Internal Medicine: Chronic Lbp And Acupuncture

By Author: Tom Matte
Total Articles: 7
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In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, copyrighted by the American Medical Association; a randomized controlled trial was done on the effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Lower Back Pain. The study specifically investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture compared to minimal or no acupuncture in chronic lower back pain patients.
The acupuncture professionals utilized had at least 140 hours of training, and at least 350 hours of experience. The patients were clinically diagnosed as having chronic lower back pain for 6 or more years, 40-75 years old, and average pain intensity of 40 for 7 days prior to the studies onset. Those with disc problems were excluded, as were any significant spinal problem patients and those with any acupuncture treatment in the year before the study. The study was done over 8 weeks, with 12 treatments for 298 patients were included in the final results.
In conclusion they found that acupuncture did improve pain in chronic LBP patients, though it found no difference between acupuncture and minimal acupuncture. Overall the acupuncture group faired slightly better ...
... than the minimal acupuncture group. It was noted though after 8, 26, and 52 weeks later, they faired about the same.
Since, another study of 600 also in the archives of internal medicine, showed that acupuncture patients found more reduction in LBP than those that were treated with conventional medicine. It was funded by the National Institutes of Health, and 2 groups received acupuncture with a third received a placebo version of acupuncture, while the fourth group were strictly conventional means. This study, over seven weeks, the first 3 groups experienced noticeably higher reduction in LBP than the conventionally treated group. Even the placebo group realized added benefit. While 60 percent of the acupuncture treatment group experienced notable positives from their treatment, only 39 percent of the conventional treatment group experienced reasonable benefit.
The results raised a number of questions related to the psychological impact of acupuncture on the patients. For the person with chronic lower back pain, this may very much be a benefit. Acupuncture is often much more affordable than conventional treatments. In a nation where Americans are spending $37 billion annually for medical treatment for back pain, this offers a potentially successful alternative.
Acupuncture and other oriental medicine are becoming more recognized as valid means of treatment in the United States. Most states now regulate it and have created some standards to assure professional treatment, and also require licensing to track it more (just like they do for conventional medicine).
Further a number of insurance companies now provide at least a limited benefit for this alternative medicine, as they realize it can reduce their expenses while helping their policy holders.
In the end, if you experience lower back pain; chronic or otherwise... Acupuncture may be a solution to help reduce or remove your pain too. Take the time to get a further understanding of Acupuncture Bellevue , and find a local qualified and experienced practitioner to assist you as they have others.