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Pain management and Musculoskeletal problems

Research has shown that acupuncture may be helpful for several pain conditions, including back or neck pain, knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, and postoperative pain.

Acupuncture for Pain Relief: Scientific Evidence & Benefits

Research has shown that acupuncture may be helpful for several pain conditions, including back or neck pain, knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, and postoperative pain. It may also help relieve joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people with breast cancer.

Long-Term Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Management

An analysis of 20 studies (6,376 participants) found that acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects persisted for up to a year after treatment for back pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and other chronic pain conditions—except for neck pain, which showed shorter-term relief.

Acupuncture for Specific Pain Conditions

✅ Back & Neck Pain

  • A 2018 review analyzing 12 studies (8,003 participants) concluded that acupuncture was more effective than no treatment for back and neck pain.
  • Its pain-relieving effect was comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), offering a natural alternative for pain management.

✅ Osteoarthritis

  • Another 2018 review of 10 studies (2,413 participants) found that acupuncture was significantly more effective than no treatment for osteoarthritis pain.
  • Most study participants had knee osteoarthritis, while some had hip osteoarthritis, with results showing pain relief comparable to NSAIDs.

✅ Headaches & Migraines

  • A 2020 review comparing acupuncture with various drugs for migraine prevention found acupuncture to be slightly more effective than medication.
  • Participants who received acupuncture were less likely to drop out due to side effects, making it a safer, well-tolerated option.
  • Acupuncture also helps with tension headaches, relaxing cervical and back muscles that contribute to pain.

✅ Myofascial Pain Syndrome

  • A condition involving muscle pain and trigger points in connective tissue (fascia).
  • Studies show that needling trigger points with acupuncture can reduce pain intensity and improve muscle function.

✅ Sciatica

  • Sciatica causes pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg, usually due to sciatic nerve compression.
  • Two 2015 reviews including 12 studies (1,842 participants) and 11 studies (962 participants) found that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for sciatica pain relief.

✅ Fibromyalgia

  • A 2019 review of 12 studies (824 participants) showed that acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity and frequency in people with fibromyalgia, offering a promising complementary treatment.

Acupuncture as a Natural Pain Management Solution

Acupuncture provides a scientifically backed, drug-free method for pain relief, helping patients manage chronic pain conditions safely and effectively. Its ability to stimulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation makes it a powerful alternative therapy for pain management.

At Yarrow Holistic Center, we specialize in evidence-based acupuncture treatments designed to support long-term pain relief and overall wellness. Contact us today to learn more about how acupuncture can help with pain management and recovery!