ACUPUNCTURE FOR BACK PAIN
Statistics show that acupuncture is 47% more effective for back pain than
conventional treatment.
This figure refers to a trial by Michael Haake in September 2007. The trial involved 1162 patients that had suffered with chronic lower back pain for an average of eight years and had no previous experience of acupuncture.
It compared acupuncture to conventional therapy, such as a combination of drugs, physical therapy and exercise. The findings were that acupuncture was almost twice as effective.
Most of us have suffered from back pain, in fact it is estimated that 4 out of 5 people will experience it at some point in their lives. It is also the second reason for long term sickness in the UK, in 2003-04 nearly 5 million working days were lost as a result of back pain. (Statistics from BackCare - the charity for healthier backs)
Considering these statistics, this German trial is very welcome news. As each of my patients have an individual treatment plan drawn up, I am also aiming to balance the person's element. This is one aspect that trials cannot always replicate. Despite this, it is always great when something is proven scientifically and can lead people towards treatment that could make them feel a whole lot better.
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