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Acupuncture for the treatment of common pain conditions: Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and headache

Publication ,  Journal Article
Sherman, KJ; Coeytaux, RR
Published in: Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management
May 1, 2009

Objective: To review the effects of acupuncture for 3 common chronic pain conditions: chronic back pain, osteoarthritis (OA), and headache. Methods: Review of meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and various recent well-conducted studies. Results: Overall, acupuncture appears superior to no treatment or usual care for persons with chronic back pain, OA, or headache. However, these findings vary depending on the specific outcome and follow-up period. The magnitude of the effect varies but is consistent, with a small to moderate effect size in most cases. Moreover, acupuncture is not clearly superior to sham acupuncture, although the latter is a controversial control therapy. Acupuncture has a favorable safety profile, with relatively few side effects. Limited evidence suggests that acupuncture is cost-effective. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that acupuncture is a reasonable therapeutic option for chronic back pain, OA, and headache but is not the clear therapy of choice for any of these conditions. Acupuncture may be especially valuable for patients who prefer it to other options or those concerned about using analgesic medications. Copyright 2009 by Turner White Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management

ISSN

1079-6533

Publication Date

May 1, 2009

Volume

16

Issue

5

Start / End Page

224 / 230

Related Subject Headings

  • General & Internal Medicine
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Sherman, K. J., & Coeytaux, R. R. (2009). Acupuncture for the treatment of common pain conditions: Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and headache. Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management, 16(5), 224–230.
Sherman, K. J., and R. R. Coeytaux. “Acupuncture for the treatment of common pain conditions: Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and headache.” Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management 16, no. 5 (May 1, 2009): 224–30.
Sherman KJ, Coeytaux RR. Acupuncture for the treatment of common pain conditions: Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and headache. Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management. 2009 May 1;16(5):224–30.
Sherman, K. J., and R. R. Coeytaux. “Acupuncture for the treatment of common pain conditions: Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and headache.” Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management, vol. 16, no. 5, May 2009, pp. 224–30.
Sherman KJ, Coeytaux RR. Acupuncture for the treatment of common pain conditions: Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and headache. Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management. 2009 May 1;16(5):224–230.

Published In

Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management

ISSN

1079-6533

Publication Date

May 1, 2009

Volume

16

Issue

5

Start / End Page

224 / 230

Related Subject Headings

  • General & Internal Medicine