Low Back Pain
An extensive review encompassing thirty-five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a participant pool of 2861 individuals was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in addressing low back pain. The findings revealed that there is currently inadequate evidence to establish firm recommendations concerning the use of acupuncture or dry-needling for acute low back pain.
However, when it comes to chronic low back pain, the results paint a more optimistic picture. In comparisons with no treatment or sham treatment, acupuncture emerged as a more effective option for pain relief, especially when assessed over a three-month period. Additionally, for patients dealing with chronic low back pain, acupuncture showcased greater efficacy in improving overall function compared to no treatment, particularly in the short term. While acupuncture didn't exhibit superior effectiveness compared to other conventional and alternative treatments, when integrated into conventional therapeutic approaches, it proved to be more efficient in providing pain relief and enhancing functionality compared to conventional treatments alone. However, it's crucial to note that the magnitude of these effects remains relatively small. Dry needling is also suggested as a valuable complementary therapy for chronic low back pain.
Furthermore, a noteworthy 2008 study suggests that combining acupuncture with conventional treatments for infertility, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), significantly elevates the success rates of these medical interventions.
A review authored by Manheimer and colleagues published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2005 reached conclusions that align closely with Cochrane's review of low back pain. In addition, a review conducted for the American Pain Society/American College of Physicians found substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture in managing chronic low back pain.
In the context of managing nausea and vomiting, a Cochrane review conducted by Lee and Done in 2006, focusing on the use of the P6 acupoint to reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting, found that stimulating the P6 acupoint could effectively reduce the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting with minimal side effects, although its efficacy was marginally lower compared to preventive treatment with antiemetic drugs. Cochrane further emphasized the potential of electroacupuncture in alleviating first-day vomiting following chemotherapy. However, they underscored the need for further research that considers modern anti-vomiting medications.
The cumulative evidence suggests that acupuncture is moderately effective in relieving pain compared to sham treatments, with the benefits being most pronounced at the conclusion of the treatment. Furthermore, there's moderate evidence indicating that individuals who receive acupuncture report lower pain levels in the short-term follow-up compared to those on waiting lists. This superiority in pain relief is also sustained at short-term follow-up assessments when compared to inactive treatments.
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