A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic low back pain in older adults. This research provides compelling evidence supporting acupuncture as a safe alternative to traditional treatments such as medications and physical therapy.

The Burden of Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than one-third of older adults in the United States. With various treatment options available, including medications and alternative therapies, there is an increasing demand for safe and nonaddictive approaches to pain management. According to lead author Dr. Lynn L. DeBar, many traditional treatments deliver only modest pain relief, typically reducing pain by about one-third at best. This new study aims to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture against standard medical care.

Study Overview

The BackInAction trial enrolled 800 participants aged 65 and older, all with a history of chronic low back pain lasting at least three months. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard medical care or standard medical care supplemented with acupuncture treatments.

Key Components of the Study

  • Participants: Adults aged 65 and older with chronic low back pain.
  • Treatment Groups: One-third received standard acupuncture treatment (up to 15 sessions in three months), while another third received additional maintenance sessions (six treatments over three months).
  • Assessment Criteria: Participants self-reported their pain levels and physical function through 24 standardized statements assessing disability.
Evaluation Milestone Acupuncture Group Results Control Group Results
3 Months Initial reduction in pain and improvement in physical functioning. Modest pain relief and minimal functional improvements.
6 Months Greater reductions in pain and anxiety symptoms. Continued mild improvement in pain without significant relief.
12 Months Sustained reduction in pain and disability. No significant long-term changes observed.

Findings and Implications

The results of the study demonstrated that participants who received acupuncture reported significantly greater improvements in pain and disability levels compared to those who only received standard medical care. The study notably indicated:

  • Reduction in Pain: Both acupuncture groups experienced a sustained reduction in pain intensity at six and twelve months.
  • Improved Physical Function: Participants treated with acupuncture reported better physical function as compared to control participants.
  • Psychological Benefits: Fewer anxiety symptoms were reported among those receiving acupuncture.
“Acupuncture offers a less invasive option that has a better safety profile than many common treatments for back pain in older adults.” – Dr. Andrea J. Cook, co-lead researcher

Conclusion and Future Directions

The findings indicate that acupuncture may serve as a valuable addition to the treatment options for chronic low back pain in older adults. To enhance accessibility, the authors suggest that practitioners should be able to bill Medicare directly for acupuncture services, thus potentially improving access for this fragile population.

With minimal adverse effects reported during the study, acupuncture appears to be a promising treatment strategy for mitigating the impacts of chronic low back pain among older adults. The research underscores the importance of exploring nonpharmacologic options in managing chronic pain.

References

1. DeBar, L. L., Cook, A. J., & Collaborators. (2025). Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open.

2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (n.d.). Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. Retrieved from NINDS.

For further insights on this topic, visit the original study at Science X.

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