Acupuncture relieves low back pain long-term

“Our new data provides a significant step forward in treating chronic pain and managing depression” Professor MacPherson

In a recent study, Professor MacPherson and his team explored the impact of acupuncture for back pain on 241 individuals. Their findings suggest that acupuncture not only offers short-term relief but can also provide lasting benefits.

“If you offer acupuncture to someone with back pain, on average, they are likely to experience sustained benefits—not just in the short term but particularly over the long term, up to 24 months,” said MacPherson.

This is a striking discovery, as most treatments tend to lose effectiveness over time. MacPherson emphasised: “It’s remarkable to see lasting improvements, where you would typically expect the benefits of treatment to diminish.”

The study compared standard care, which included medication, physiotherapy, and exercise, with the addition of 10 acupuncture sessions over three months. Throughout the two-year study, patient satisfaction and pain levels were closely monitored. While there was little difference between the two groups after three months, subtle improvements were observed in the acupuncture group by the 12-month mark.

By 24 months, the gap between the two groups had widened, with the acupuncture group showing greater improvement.

“This is the first study to show such a progressive difference over two years, which makes it quite unique,” MacPherson noted.

Additionally, a cost-analysis revealed that acupuncture is a cost-effective option. The cost of treatment for each patient receiving acupuncture was £460 (NZD $863) compared to £345 (NZD $647) for standard care. The modest increase in cost is justified by the long-term benefits reported by patients.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting acupuncture as a valuable and effective treatment for chronic pain management, offering patients not only relief but also hope for lasting results.