Can acupuncture ease back pain in seniors? large trial tests it

NCT ID NCT04982315

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Kaiser Permanente Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether acupuncture helps reduce disability from chronic low back pain in adults aged 65 and older. Over 800 participants received either standard acupuncture (up to 15 sessions in 3 months), enhanced acupuncture (additional sessions over 6 months), or usual care alone. The main goal was to see if acupuncture improves back-related disability and pain.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: acupuncture
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, non-drug option for managing chronic low back pain in older adults.
What could go wrong: This is a completed pragmatic trial, but results may not apply to all older adults. Acupuncture effects can vary, and the study relied on self-reported disability.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Institute for Family Health

New York, New York, 10035, United States
Kaiser Permanente Division of Research

Oakland, California, 94612, United States
Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute

Seattle, Washington, 98103, United States
Sutter Health

Walnut Creek, California, 94596, United States

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