Acupuncture better than conventional treatment for back pain

Here's the study I'm referring to.

This is a validating study for acupuncture's effectiveness. It showed that acupuncture is more effective for back pain than conventional treatments including: painkillers, injections, physical therapy, massage, heat therapy or other treatments. I have witnessed this in my office where patients often come to me after being dissatisfied with their conventional treatment. I'm not saying these modalities don't have their place, but I have often found acupuncture to give patients more relief. The study looks only at acupuncture and doesn't take into account the other modalities that are commonly used in a Chinese medical clinic. Acupuncture for back pain is often (and nearly always in my clinic) accompanied by Tui Na, Cupping, Heat lamp, and the topical application of herbal liniments to relax muscles and encourage circulation.

I don't put much weight on the term "sham acupuncture" or "fake acupuncture" which are defined in this study as needling that is done with shallow insertion and at undefined acupuncture points. The entire Japanese style of acupuncture is based on barely inserting the needles under the skin. That is hardly fake since it is well established and effective. As for putting needles at undefined points, there is nothing unusual about that. The different acupuncture meridians cover  the entire surface of the body. Therefore, you can effect a person's physiology by putting needles in places not defined in a textbook.

Comments

[Alan]

Couldn't agree more Gerry, well said!
http://www.worldacupuncture.com