Health
Acupuncture May Ease Low Back Pain for Adults 65+
Health Points
- Acupuncture relieved low back pain and improved movement in older adults better than standard care.
- Participants who received acupuncture reported less severe pain, improved function, and reduced anxiety symptoms.
- Insurance coverage varies; not all health plans pay for acupuncture, and not everyone is an ideal candidate for the treatment.
A recent clinical trial found that acupuncture provided greater relief from chronic low back pain and improved mobility for older adults compared to prescription medications or physical therapy.
This research included 800 adults aged 65 and older, and those receiving acupuncture had better pain control and fewer physical limitations at six months.
“Our study findings replicated what had been seen among younger adult populations: Namely, that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment” for low back pain, says Lynn L. DeBar, PhD, the study’s lead author.
Participants in the acupuncture groups also experienced reduced anxiety at both six and twelve months compared to those receiving standard care.
Broader research supports these findings, with major reviews indicating acupuncture’s noticeable effectiveness in easing low back pain.
Acupuncture techniques differ among practitioners, and placebo comparisons are challenging, making acupuncture research complex, notes Andrew J Bach, DO, of Cedars-Sinai Spine Center.
“Outcomes often depend on patient expectations and individual variation,” Dr. Bach explains.
For research, scientists sometimes use fake needles that don’t break the skin to mimic treatment for comparison, says Karen W. Lin, MD, a professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
From an Eastern perspective, acupuncture is believed to restore energy flow, while Western research suggests it may stimulate neurotransmitter release and improve microcirculation, potentially reducing inflammation, notes Dr. DeBar.
“Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years for good reason,” Bach says. “Most physiatrists would agree that it can be a useful tool for managing pain. The ongoing question has been to what extent it helps and how strongly it should be recommended.”
While the World Health Organization and CDC list acupuncture as a possible pain relief approach, it is not the primary recommendation for back pain in the United States. Treatment plans often begin with specialist evaluation and usually involve physical therapy or medication as a first step.
Insurance coverage for acupuncture can be inconsistent, and many providers may not accept plans that cover it. A recent study showed that fewer than 2 percent of Americans with low back pain used insurance for acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture isn’t suitable for everyone. For example, individuals uncomfortable with needles may want to consider other approaches.
If you’re curious about integrating acupuncture into your back pain management plan, talk with your healthcare provider about available options and whether this therapy is right for you.
