Can acupuncture ease back pain in seniors? large trial tests it
NCT ID NCT04982315
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Institute for Family Health
New York, New York, 10035, United States
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Kaiser Permanente Division of Research
Oakland, California, 94612, United States
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Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute
Seattle, Washington, 98103, United States
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Sutter Health
Walnut Creek, California, 94596, United States