Acupuncture for low back pain: results of a pilot study for a randomized controlled trial

Gould, Alison; Fitter, Mike; MacPherson, Hugh

doi:10.1016/s0965-2299(99)80086-7

Cited by 16 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…This is consistent with findings from both the controlled and uncontrolled trials [11, 42]. Other interview or survey studies have also reported that after acupuncture, patients reported improved emotional strength [43], became calmer [14, 44, 45], and experienced positive emotional changes [46].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

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Does Acupuncture Improve Quality of Life for Patients with Pain Associated with the Spine? A Systematic Review

Zheng

Xue³

2010

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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This paper aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for qualities of life (QoL) in patients suffering from pain associated with the spine (PAWS). Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain severity, but its effect on QoL is unknown. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials as well as EMBASE were searched. Published randomized controlled trials on PAWS comparing acupuncture with waiting-list or sham interventions were considered. Eight out of 186 trials were included. For physical functioning, acupuncture was better than waiting-list at immediate and short-term followups; and was better than sham interventions at immediate assessment (SMD = 0.40. 95% CI 0.06 to 0.74). For mental functioning, acupuncture was better than waiting-list at short-term followup and sham interventions at intermediate-term followup (SMD = 0.27. 95% CI 0.03 to 0.51). A similar effect was observed on pain reduction. Discrepancies in point selection for relieving anxiety and insufficient training of trial acupuncturists were also identified. Acupuncture has a moderate effect on the improvement of physical functioning and pain for PAWS patients in the short term; but the effect for mental functioning is small and delayed. Future trials should address point selection and consistency in the qualifications of trial acupuncturists.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

“…There is evidence that acupuncture improves disability and function [11–13] as well as mental functioning [14–16]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does Acupuncture Improve Quality of Life for Patients with Pain Associated with the Spine? A Systematic Review

Zheng

Xue³

2010

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Neck and back pain in the elderly

Kalkanis

Borges

2001

Curr Treat Options Neurol

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Surgical intervention for neck and back pain in elderly patients without significant comorbidities can significantly improve a patient's symptoms and quality of life when more conservative therapies fail. Current spine literature strongly supports the paradigm of treating elderly patients with stable, chronic neck or back pain with conservative therapies first in order to optimize the risks and benefits of all available treatment options. If less-invasive methods fail to achieve satisfactory outcomes, more aggressive surgical options can, at that time, typically be implemented with excellent results in elderly patients without significant comorbidities. Clinical scenarios threatening to result in spine instability or nerve root or spinal cord compression require immediate intervention, especially in elderly patients, who, in general, have a higher risk of developing such conditions either through falls or trauma or acquired degenerative disease processes or malignancies. When an elderly patient enters a physician's office and asks "doctor, I've had pain for years, but it's getting worse. At my age, is it really worth having surgery?" The answer is a qualified "yes," if conservative treatments have failed and if the patient is otherwise in reasonably good health. Because the vast majority of these patients first interact with the medical system through their primary care doctors and neurologists, early recognition of situations requiring immediate attention, and those requiring referrals to spine specialists, can greatly expedite the appropriate use of scarce healthcare resources. Furthermore, knowledge of the various treatment options available to elderly patients complaining of the very common symptoms of neck or back pain can significantly improve patient care, especially in this new century when older patients will increasingly become a larger and more active force in all aspects of our society.

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Possible research strategies for evaluating CAM interventions

Thomas¹,

Fitter²

2002

Clinical Research in Complementary Therapies

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Acupuncture for low back pain: results of a pilot study for a randomized controlled trial

Cited by 16 publications

References 20 publications

Does Acupuncture Improve Quality of Life for Patients with Pain Associated with the Spine? A Systematic Review

Does Acupuncture Improve Quality of Life for Patients with Pain Associated with the Spine? A Systematic Review

Neck and back pain in the elderly

Possible research strategies for evaluating CAM interventions

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