Clinical trial: acupuncture for chronic
low‑back pain in older adults
A large NIH-funded clinical trial, known as BackInAction, has found that acupuncture significantly reduces disability and improves physical function in older adults with chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain, affecting over one-third of adults aged 65 and older, is typically managed with medications and physical therapy. However, existing treatments often yield only modest benefits, prompting interest in safer, non-invasive alternatives like acupuncture.
The study enrolled 800 adults aged 65 or older who had experienced low back pain for at least three months. Participants were divided into three groups: one received usual care, the second received usual care plus 8–15 acupuncture sessions over 12 weeks, and the third group received enhanced acupuncture with an additional 4–6 sessions. Researchers tracked outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months, using self-reported data on pain, mobility, and daily functioning.
Results showed that both acupuncture groups had notably greater improvements in physical function and pain reduction than the group receiving usual care alone. At both six and twelve months, participants who underwent acupuncture reported less pain-related disability and improved mobility. Additionally, those in the acupuncture groups experienced fewer symptoms of anxiety. Importantly, adverse effects were minimal and comparable across all groups.
The acupuncture used in the study was limited to techniques approved for Medicare reimbursement—specifically, needling at acupoints known to target low back pain. Researchers believe this demonstrates acupuncture’s practical potential in real-world healthcare settings for older adults.
Dr. Lynn DeBar, the lead investigator, emphasized that acupuncture's effectiveness is comparable to more conventional treatments but offers the added benefit of a stronger safety profile. Co-investigator Dr. Andrea Cook noted that acupuncture is particularly promising for older adults who may be managing multiple health issues and are more vulnerable to side effects from medications.
The team is now analyzing the cost-effectiveness of integrating acupuncture into standard medical care for chronic low back pain in older populations.
Citation: DeBar LL, Wellman RD, Justice M, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/acupuncture-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults
