Acupuncture Matrix

Question :
Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain?
Low back pain or lumbago is a very common musculoskeletal disorder. Most episodes of back pain resolve without treatment. Back pain lasting more that three months is considered to be chronic low back pain.

Research Articles :
Acupuncture therapy for chronic lower back pain: a systematic review.
Four studies meeting eligibility criteria were selected out of fifteen randomised controlled trials. Acupuncture may be superior to usual care in the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Acupuncture and dry-needling for low back pain.
Thirty-five randomized, controlled trials were included in this review article. Three studies were on acute low back pain. Acupuncture was more effective for pain relief and functional improvement in the short term when compared to no treatment or to sham treatment. The authors conclude that higher quality trials will be required.

Meta-analysis: acupuncture for low back pain.
Thirty-three randomized, controlled trials were included in this review article, whick looked at the treatment of acute low back pain and chronic low back pain. Acupuncture was effective for the treatment of chronic low back pain but is was not more effective than other treatments.

Read more…

Orthopedics Low Back Pain

Acupuncture can reduce perceived pain, mood disturbances and medical expenses related to low back pain among factory employees
Ind Health. 2008 Aug;46(4):336-40.

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Research Article Low Back Pain

Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture where two acupuncture needles are attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses between them. Does electroacupuncture stimulate sciatic nerve blood flow?

One mechanism of action of acupuncture and electrical acupuncture stimulation could be that, in addition to its influence on the pain inhibitory system, it participates in causing a transient change in sciatic nerve blood blow, including circulation to the cauda equine and nerve root.

Acupuncture Treatment for Low Back Pain and Lower Limb Symptoms—The Relation between Acupuncture or Electroacupuncture Stimulation and Sciatic Nerve Blood Flow
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 June; 5(2): 133–143.

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Research Article Electroacupuncture, Low Back Pain, Sciatic Nerve