Question 335 of 433
Does acupuncture work?
The short answer
For chronic pain, modestly, and safely. Part of the benefit comes from the needles and a larger part from the experience of being treated.
An analysis of nearly 21,000 patients in 39 trials found acupuncture better than no treatment for chronic back and neck pain, arthritis, and headache, and slightly better than sham acupuncture. Benefits lasted a year. Medicare covers it for chronic low back pain. Serious complications are rare with a licensed practitioner. It is not a treatment for heart disease, cancer, or aging.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
HUMAN TRIALS — Chronic pain patients: modest acupuncture benefit beyond sham; not disease reversal.Evidence grade (draft mapping)Grade pendingPart 22, Q335 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.