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20M+
Americans use acupuncture for pain
NIH National Health Interview Survey
50%
average improvement in chronic pain scores
JAMA Internal Medicine, 2018 meta-analysis
#1
non-drug treatment recommended by the ACP
American College of Physicians Guidelines
2 pain management specialists listed nationwide
Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain — find eligible providers here
Up to 20 sessions per year covered under Medicare Part B.
📌 Pharmacopuncture therapy produced a significantly greater reduction in pain (2.7 points on NRS) compared to usual care at 13 weeks, with sustained improvements in pain, function, and quality of life lasting through 53 weeks in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Researchers in Korea studied whether pharmacopuncture therapy could help people with lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows and causes back and leg pain. This condition is becoming more common as populations age, making effective non-surgical treatments increasingly important. The study included 96 patients who were randomly assigned to receive either pharmacopuncture therapy or usual medical care. Pharmacopuncture involves injecting herbal extracts into specific points on the body, such as acupuncture points or muscles. Patients received treatment twice weekly for 12 weeks and were followed for a full year. The results showed that pharmacopuncture was significantly more effective than usual care. Patients receiving pharmacopuncture experienced a 2.7-point greater reduction in their dominant pain scores after 13 weeks compared to those receiving conventional treatment. They also showed meaningful improvements in their ability to function in daily activities and overall quality of life. These benefits lasted throughout the entire year-long study period. Additionally, patients in the pharmacopuncture group recovered faster, with more achieving at least a 50% reduction in pain compared to the usual care group. No serious side effects were reported during the study, suggesting pharmacopuncture is safe when properly administered. This research supports pharmacopuncture as an effective conservative treatment option for lumbar spinal stenosis, particularly for patients seeking alternatives to surgery or those who haven't responded well to conventional treatments. If you're considering pharmacopuncture for spinal stenosis, consult with a licensed acupuncturist who has specialized training in this technique.
📌 Kyungok-go significantly reduced fatigue severity in Long COVID patients over 12 weeks with a mean difference of -2.1 on the Fatigue Severity Scale and excellent safety profile with 97% adherence.
Researchers studied whether a traditional Korean herbal medicine called Kyungok-go could help people experiencing persistent fatigue after COVID-19. Long COVID affects many people who continue to have symptoms for three months or longer after their initial infection, with fatigue being one of the most common and debilitating problems. This study followed 100 people who had been experiencing Long COVID fatigue for at least 12 weeks. Participants took Kyungok-go (22.5 grams twice daily) for 12 weeks while researchers tracked their symptoms. Ninety-four people completed the full study, showing good adherence to the treatment. The results were encouraging. Participants experienced significant improvements in their fatigue levels across multiple measurement scales. They also reported better sleep quality, fewer depressive symptoms, and improved overall quality of life. Physical and cognitive function showed more modest improvements. Over 97% of participants took their medication as directed, and no serious side effects were reported, suggesting the herbal formula was safe and well-tolerated. While these findings are promising, this study did not include a comparison group receiving placebo or standard care, which limits the strength of the conclusions. The researchers note that randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these benefits. For patients suffering from Long COVID fatigue, this study suggests that traditional herbal medicine approaches may offer relief when conventional treatments fall short. If you're considering herbal medicine or acupuncture for Long COVID symptoms, consult with a qualified practitioner who is licensed and experienced in traditional East Asian medicine.
📌 Acupuncture was associated with clinically important short-term improvements in both pain and function compared to placebo in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, though the evidence certainty was low.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back that causes leg pain and difficulty walking, affecting many older adults. Researchers reviewed 35 clinical trials involving over 3,000 people to compare different nonsurgical treatments for this condition, including acupuncture, injections, physical therapy, and medications. The study found that acupuncture showed promise for reducing pain and improving function compared to placebo treatments. In the short term (immediately after treatment), people receiving acupuncture experienced meaningful reductions in both pain levels and disability. The analysis also suggested acupuncture might provide long-term pain relief lasting six months or longer. No other treatments clearly outperformed placebo for pain or functional improvement. However, the researchers emphasized important limitations. The quality of evidence was low to very low, meaning the results are uncertain and should be interpreted cautiously. None of the treatments studied, including acupuncture, showed clear improvements in walking distance, which is a key concern for people with spinal stenosis. The studies varied considerably in how they were designed and conducted, making firm conclusions difficult. What this means for patients: While acupuncture appears to be a potentially helpful option for managing pain and improving daily function in lumbar spinal stenosis, more high-quality research is needed before drawing definitive conclusions. If you're considering acupuncture, discuss it with your healthcare provider to determine if it's appropriate for your specific situation. If you decide to try acupuncture, seek treatment from a licensed and qualified acupuncture practitioner with experience treating spinal conditions.
Medicare Part B covers up to 20 acupuncture sessions per year for chronic low back pain.
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