Acupuncture Delivers Relief for Seniors With Back Pain

Quick Smiles:

• Research finds acupuncture reduces back pain and boosts mobility in adults 65 and older.
• Groups treated with acupuncture reported lasting benefits even a year after starting therapy.
• Medicare now covers some acupuncture sessions for chronic back pain.

New research highlights acupuncture as a safe and effective way to ease chronic back pain in older adults, with participants experiencing greater physical function and less pain compared to standard medical care.

The BackInAction clinical trial involved 800 seniors, with some receiving up to 21 acupuncture treatments over six months while others received usual care.

At six- and twelve-month check-ins, those who had acupuncture showed bigger improvements in pain reduction and mobility, with positive effects lasting well beyond the treatment period.

“We found that the size of this effect, while modest, was positive and sustained,” said Dr. Lynn DeBar of Kaiser Permanente.

The study’s design included participants from across the country and involved local licensed acupuncturists, reflecting real-life community care.

Medicare currently covers a limited number of acupuncture sessions for chronic low back pain, and experts suggest expanding provider eligibility could help more seniors access this relief.

This research was part of the NIH’s HEAL Initiative, aiming to provide alternatives to pain medications and help address the opioid crisis.

“This study shows that achieving back pain relief from acupuncture is verifiable and replicable, and that treatments can make a huge differences in people’s lives at one year out,” shared Amy Mager of the American Society of Acupuncturists.

Share these encouraging findings with loved ones and help spread the hope of better days ahead for those with back pain.

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