A recent UK government-funded study has found strong evidence that acupuncture is more effective in reducing pain than usual care for chronic musculoskeletal conditions (in particular neck, shoulder and low back pain), osteoarthritis of the knee and headache.
The study reviewed standardised controlled trials encompassing nearly 18,000 patients. The findings of the study will likely be taken into account in the review of clinical guidance by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence).
Reference: MacPherson H, Vickers A, Bland M, et al. (2017). Acupuncture for chronic pain and depression in primary care: a programme of research. Programme Grants Appl Res 2017;5(3). The project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research [Programme Grants for Applied Research programme] (project number RP-PG-0707-10186).
The study reviewed standardised controlled trials encompassing nearly 18,000 patients. The findings of the study will likely be taken into account in the review of clinical guidance by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence).
Reference: MacPherson H, Vickers A, Bland M, et al. (2017). Acupuncture for chronic pain and depression in primary care: a programme of research. Programme Grants Appl Res 2017;5(3). The project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research [Programme Grants for Applied Research programme] (project number RP-PG-0707-10186).