Scientists have discovered that the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture is more effective than anything modern medicine has to offer for the treatment of back pain.

Trials conducted on 1,100 patients with chronic lower back pain (back pain present for an average of eight years) was the source of the findings. Nearly half of the patients receiving acupuncture (47%) found their condition improved significantly- a far greater number than the improvements seen by those treated traditionally (27%). Perhaps best of all, the beneficial effects of acupuncture on back pain lasted for at least six months, when treatment had long since ended.

The research was carried out by scientists at the University of Regensberg, Germany. Patients were randomly selected to receive ten thirty minute sessions of either real acupuncture, sham acupuncture or conventional treatment.

For sham acupuncture, needles were stuck at random over the lower back with no acknowledgement of the meridians and points that direct needle placement in traditional acupuncture. The surprising result was that 44% of back pain sufferers showed a marked improvement even when treated with this sham acupuncture form.

Research leader Michael Haake, said: “The superiority of both forms of acupuncture suggests a common underlying mechanism that may act on pain generation or transmission of pain signals … and is stronger than the action mechanism of conventional therapy.”

Back pain affects up to 70-85% of the population at some time in their lives, and the study findings, which contribute to growing evidence that the 4,000 year old acupuncture practice is an effective treatment, are welcome news and a huge victory for practitioners of alternative medicine.

When the facts are considered, it is little wonder the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend that GPs offer a course of acupuncture as the first line of treatment for persistent back pain.

For a free, 20 minute consultation on how we can help you resolve you back pain, contact the Archway house team, today.

Telephone/Fax: 01858 410820
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