Acupuncture treatment of low back pain

Objectives. This prospective, non-controlled pilot-study examines the poten tial benefit of acupuncture in patients with low back pain and radicular sy mptoms. Methods. 60 patients with low back pain and lumbar disc herniation diagnose d by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography were treated by acup uncture. Pain intensity was assessed before and after treatment on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Results. Intensity of low back pain dropped from 59 to 19 mm, and intensity of radicular pain from 64 to 12 mm. Three to twelve months after the end o f acupuncture, 88% of patients were satisfied with treatment outcome. Conclusion. Acupuncture as a noninvasive treatment with very few complicait ons is a promising therapeutical option of low back pain, especially when a ssociated with radicular symptoms.