Acupuncture for back pain: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Author(s): Ernst, E., White, A. R.

Journal/Book: Arch Int Med. 1998; 158(20): 2235-2241.

Abstract: Background: Acupuncture is commonly used to neat back pain, but there is no published meta-analysis of trials of its effectiveness for this condition. Objective: To perform a meta-analysis of trials of acupuncture for the treatment of back pain. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to retrieve all randomized controlled trials of any form of acupuncture for any type of back pain in humans. The adequacy of the acupuncture treatment was assessed by consulti ng 6 experienced acupuncturists. The main outcome measure for the meta-analysis was numbers of patients whose symptoms were improved at the end of treatment. m-controlled, evaluator-blinded studies, the odds ratio was 1.37 (95% confidence interval, 0.84-2.25). Conclusion: Acupuncture was shown to be superior to various control interventions, although there is insufficient evidence to state whether it is superior to placebo.

Keyword(s): acu. cr. rct. rev. metaanalyse. pain

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