(September 24, 2007 - Insidermedicine) Patients with low back pain may benefit more from acupuncture than conventional treatment, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Low back pain is a common and disabling condition that affects more than three-quarters of Americans over their lifetime. It is the second most common pain for which treatment by a doctor is sought, the most common cause of job-related disability, and a leading contributor to missed work.

Here is more information about low back pain:
•    Many things can cause low back injuries, such as muscle injury, sprains, joint problems, or a “slipped” or herniated disk.
•    If you’ve hurt your back, resting for a day or two can help. Treatment options include various non-surgical methods — such as pain medications, heat therapy and cold therapy. For herniated disks surgery may be necessary, including decompression and minimally invasive procedures.
•    Recommendations for ongoing back problems include weight loss, and improved fitness and posture.

To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving low back pain, researchers studied more than 1,000 patients who had suffered from chronic low back pain. They underwent 10 30-minute sessions with legitimate acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or a combination of medication, physical therapy, and exercise.

Close to half of (both the legitimate and sham) acupuncture patients experienced a reduction in pain and improved functional ability, compared to one-fifth of those who had conventional therapy.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic low back pain, talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect your back from further injury. Discuss your treatment options -- including acupuncture, which can now be regarded as a relatively low-cost, safe, and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.