Acupuncture effective in treating back and joint pain

Tuesday May 13, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) -- Two different studies have revealed that treating lower back pain and arthritis in the knees with acupuncture radically reduces a patient’s need for pain medication. The surprise, however, is that the acupuncture treatment may not have to be “genuine” in order to provide relief.

The Archives of Internal Medicine is currently reporting on a study led by Dr. Daniel Cherkin of Group Health. 638 patients took part in a carefully controlled study on the effects of acupuncture in patients suffering from chronic back pain. Patients were divided into four groups; one had standard acupuncture treatments, the second had individually prescribed treatments, the third had ‘acupuncture’ treatments using toothpicks, the fourth group was treated traditionally with medication and physical therapy.

Both acupuncture groups fared better than those who received traditional treatment. Surprisingly, the patients who underwent “toothpick” therapy reported the same level of improvement as those who had the needle treatment.

Two years prior, a similar study was conducted in Germany. According to the Journal of Internal Medicine, some of the arthritis suffers underwent traditional acupuncture treatments, while others experienced a placebo-like treatment: needles were used, but not correctly manipulated.

Fifty percent of those experiencing traditional acupuncture reported significant improvement, while 40% of those undergoing the “sham” treatment reported similar results.

While the jury is still out on why treatments that mimic acupuncture seem to be just as effective as the “real deal,” one theory suggests that simply touching the skin releases emotional and hormonal responses that are similar to those released during actual treatment.

(By Rachel Stockton, and edited by Heather Kelley)