14 Jan Does Acupuncture Work?
Does Acupuncture Work? Acupuncture is an alternative form of medical treatment that has been in use for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. The practice is growing in Western countries, with millions of people worldwide seeking relief from pain.
Does Acupuncture Work? 3 Studies Say “Yes”
Acupuncture originated in China and has been used for centuries to relieve pain. A lot of anecdotal evidence led to the practice spreading around the world. But the rise of acupuncture has also led to skeptics questioning whether the practice works.
Numerous studies have been conducted on the efficacy of the practice, with a lot of studies finding that acupuncture does work.
The practice is commonly used for pain, but it can also be used for headaches and other ailments. Cancer patients that are suffering from nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy have also found success with alleviating symptoms through acupuncture.
Studies have been done on a lot of different conditions and acupuncture, but most studies involve chronic forms of pain, including low back pain, arthritis and other forms of pain. The key studies to consider are:
1. 2018 Study on Acupuncture and Chronic Pain
The Journal of Pain released a study in 2018 that analyze the effectiveness of acupuncture on people suffering from chronic pain. The meta-analysis took multiple studies into account, with data from over 20,000 patients.
When compared against no treatment and placebos, it was found that acupuncture was far more effective.
Pain relief also persisted over the long-term, with only a 15% decline in effectiveness during the first year. The study concluded that the practice is able to help people suffering from:
- Headaches
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
Researchers conducting the study recommend getting a referral to an acupuncturist if you suffer from chronic pain.
2. 2016 Study on Knee Osteoarthritic and Cartilage Repair
An interesting study from 2016 examined the ability of acupuncture treatments to assist those suffering from osteoarthritis in their knees. The study’s main focus was to compare the ability of acupuncture and physiotherapy to help with the body’s natural cartilage repairing abilities.
After the fourth week of treatment, the group that was undergoing acupuncture treatments reported significantly lower levels of pain, stiffness and loss of physical function. The group undergoing physiotherapy reported higher levels of pain and stiffness in comparison.
The study found that when compared to physiotherapy, the therapy was more effective and superior compared to other cartilage-related treatments.
3. 2015 Systematic Review on Low Back Pain
A systematic review conducted in 2015 was done to determine if acupuncture could provide low back pain relief. The review analyzed studies across seven databases, with a total of 16 studies that met the review’s quality standards.
The analysis found consistencies indicating that acupuncture does help people with low back pain in several ways:
- Short-term relief is provided
- Functional improvements were noted
Studies included participants that sought only acupuncture treatment and acupuncture plus conventional treatments. The analysis shows that across a wide spectrum of low back pain sufferers, acupuncture was able to provide short-term relief.
Does acupuncture work? The studies above show that when treatment is administered by a qualified acupuncturist, it is effective in treating pain. Our expert staff at Peak Life Acupuncture are professionally trained to help. you with all your acupunctural needs. Call us at (818) 823-6721 for a free consultation.
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