Therapeutic effects of different acupuncture methods on chronic nonspecific low back pain: A network meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of different acupuncture methods on chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) to identify the best treatment option.
Results Summary
The study found that warm needle acupuncture, intensive silver needle therapy, and meridian-sinew theory-based treatment were the top three most effective methods for CNLBP. Electrical warm needling was most effective for pain relief, while meridian-sinew theory-based treatment was best for improving mobility.
Population
Patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
warm needle acupuncture | increase | treatment efficacy for CNLBP | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three treatment schemes | #1 |
intensive silver needle therapy | increase | treatment efficacy for CNLBP | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three treatment schemes | #2 |
meridian-sinew theory-based treatment | increase | treatment efficacy for CNLBP | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three treatment schemes | #3 |
electrical warm needling | increase | relieving pain | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three treatments | #4 |
intensive silver needle therapy | increase | relieving pain | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three treatments | #5 |
warm needle acupuncture | increase | relieving pain | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three treatments | #6 |
meridian-sinew theory-based treatment | increase | improving mobility | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three | #7 |
routine acupuncture | increase | improving mobility | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three | #8 |
electroacupuncture | increase | improving mobility | patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain | top three | top three | #9 |
BACKGROUND: Low back pain has become a globally challenging health problem, and about 90% of cases are nonspecific. Due to the risks associated with opioid use and the limited effectiveness of drug treatment, acupuncture and other non-drug methods have become the first-line treatment for this disease. However, the best acupuncture method has not yet been determined. In this study, the effects of different acupuncture methods on chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) were compared by network meta-analysis, aiming at identifying the best option and providing a basis for precise treatment of CNLBP. METHODS: Clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture in the treatment of NSLBP were searched in eight databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sinomed, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP from the inception of databases to January 21, 2024. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2.0 (RoB 2.0) and Stata 15.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, Texas, USA) were used to evaluate the literature quality and meta-analysis, and the evidence quality was assessed based on GRADE guidelines. This systematic review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. RESULTS: A total of 27 articles were included, involving 2579 patients. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that the top three treatment schemes were warm needle acupuncture, intensive silver needle therapy and meridian-sinew theory-based treatment. In terms of relieving pain, the top three treatments were electrical warm needling, intensive silver needle therapy and warm needle acupuncture. In improving mobility, the top three were meridian-sinew theory-based treatment, routine acupuncture and electroacupuncture. CONCLUSION: For CNLBP patients, warm needle acupuncture, electrical warm needling and meridian-sinew theory-based treatment are mainly recommended. If patients have significant pain, electroacupuncture is strongly suggested. On the contrary, for patients with decreased joint mobility, meridian-sinew theory-based treatment is advocated.