Evaluating the Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain: Insights from Recent Research

Lower back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide, challenging millions who seek relief through various treatments. Among these options, acupuncture has been both advocated and debated. In the United States, it is recommended in guidelines for managing lower back pain, yet it is not endorsed in others, such as the UK's NICE guidelines. A recent comprehensive study published in JAMA Network Open has examined whether acupuncture truly offers significant benefits for those suffering from lower back pain.

The study involved 800 older adults who were randomly assigned to receive either usual care or one of two acupuncture protocols. The standard plan included 11 sessions over a 12-week period, with an additional enhanced program adding five follow-up maintenance sessions. Conducted across multiple sites in the US, the study focused on evaluating pain relief and functional improvement. The results showed that both acupuncture groups experienced reduced pain and disability after six months, with roughly 40% of participants reporting at least a 30% improvement. These benefits persisted at the 12-month mark, and importantly, no major safety issues were reported.

However, the additional maintenance sessions did not provide extra benefits over the standard protocol. When compared with other international studies from Australia and the US, the improvements seen in this trial were smaller. Such findings suggest that while acupuncture can offer modest relief for lower back pain, it may not be the most effective treatment available.

Moreover, the effectiveness of acupuncture appears to be limited when compared to sham or placebo treatments, which raises questions about the role of psychological factors and the placebo effect in perceived improvements. Patient expectations can significantly influence self-reported pain outcomes, making it essential to interpret study results carefully, especially considering the type of comparator used.

Looking beyond acupuncture, evidence from studies in Australia and the US indicates that more holistic, mind-body approaches outperform acupuncture in managing lower back pain. For example, physical therapy programs addressing both physical and psychological aspects showed greater reductions in pain and disability, along with cost savings. Additionally, innovative treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy that target pain perception directly have demonstrated substantial benefits.

In summary, while acupuncture is safe and provides some relief, its benefits are modest and comparable to placebo effects. Patients and healthcare providers should consider other validated, holistic approaches—such as physical therapy and psychological interventions—that may provide more significant and lasting improvements. Ensuring access to comprehensive treatment options and proper healthcare training remains essential for effective management of lower back pain.

For more detailed insights, refer to the original study: Lynn L. DeBar et al, 'Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults,' published in JAMA Network Open (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-acupuncture-worth-pain.html.