A large new study suggests that acupuncture may be a safe and effective way to help older adults manage chronic low back pain.
Researchers found that people aged 65 and older who received acupuncture experienced less pain, better movement, and improved daily function compared with people who only received standard medical care.
The study was published in JAMA Network Open and is one of the largest studies to examine acupuncture specifically in older adults with long-term back pain. The findings are important because chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability among older people and is often difficult to treat successfully.
Back pain affects millions of older adults around the world. In the United States alone, more than one-third of older adults live with chronic low back pain. For many people, the pain lasts for months or even years and can make walking, standing, sleeping, exercising, and performing daily activities much harder.
As people age, treating chronic pain becomes more complicated. Older adults often have several health conditions at the same time and may already be taking multiple medications.
Strong painkillers, especially opioids, can cause serious side effects such as dizziness, falls, confusion, addiction, and overdose risks. Even non-opioid pain medicines may lead to stomach, kidney, or heart problems in some patients.
Because of these concerns, doctors and researchers have been searching for safer treatments that can help reduce pain without causing major side effects. Acupuncture has gained increasing attention as one possible option.
Acupuncture is a traditional East Asian medical practice that has been used for thousands of years. The treatment involves placing very thin needles into specific points on the body. In modern medicine, acupuncture is commonly used to treat different types of pain, including headaches, arthritis, neck pain, and back pain.
Although acupuncture has been used in the United States since the 1970s, there has been limited high-quality research focusing specifically on older adults with chronic back pain. The new study aimed to help fill that gap.
The clinical trial, called BackInAction, included 800 adults aged 65 and older who had experienced low back pain for at least three months.
The participants were divided into different groups. Some received their usual medical care, such as medications or physical therapy, while others received acupuncture in addition to their usual care.
Participants in the acupuncture group could receive up to 15 treatment sessions during the first three months of the study. Some also received additional treatments over the following three months.
The study was carefully designed to reflect real-world conditions rather than a highly controlled laboratory setting. Licensed community acupuncturists treated participants in different regions across the United States.
The researchers wanted to make sure the findings would apply to everyday patients receiving care in normal healthcare settings.
At three, six, and 12 months after the study began, participants answered questions about their pain levels, physical function, movement ability, and emotional well-being.
The results showed clear benefits for the acupuncture group. People who received acupuncture reported lower pain levels and less disability related to back pain. They also found it easier to move around and carry out daily activities. In addition, many participants reported feeling less anxious.
One important finding was that the benefits lasted well beyond the treatment period. Improvements were still seen months after acupuncture sessions had ended, suggesting the treatment may provide longer-lasting relief for some patients.
The researchers also found that acupuncture was very safe for older adults. Only a small number of side effects were reported, and most were mild. This is especially important because older adults are often more vulnerable to medication side effects and complications.
The scientists believe acupuncture may work by affecting the nervous system, improving blood flow, relaxing muscles, and triggering the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. However, researchers say more studies are still needed to fully understand exactly how acupuncture reduces chronic pain.
The study’s authors also pointed to another important issue: access to treatment. While Medicare now covers acupuncture for some cases of chronic low back pain, payment rules can still make it difficult for many patients to receive care.
Researchers suggested that allowing Medicare to directly reimburse licensed acupuncturists more broadly could help more older adults benefit from this treatment option.
As the population ages, chronic pain is expected to become an even larger public health problem. Many experts believe non-drug treatments such as acupuncture, exercise, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes may play an increasingly important role in helping older adults stay active and independent.
The new findings do not suggest acupuncture is a cure for chronic back pain, and not every patient may respond the same way. However, the study provides strong evidence that acupuncture may offer meaningful relief for many older adults while avoiding many of the risks linked to long-term medication use.
Researchers hope the results will encourage doctors, patients, and healthcare systems to consider acupuncture as part of a broader and safer approach to managing chronic pain in older age.
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