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Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Sciatica From Herniated Disk: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Jian-Feng Tu1, Guang-Xia Shi1,2, Shi-Yan Yan1
1International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
JAMA Internal Medicine
|October 14, 2024
Summary
Acupuncture significantly reduced leg pain and improved function in patients with chronic sciatica from herniated discs compared to sham acupuncture. These benefits were sustained for up to 52 weeks, suggesting acupuncture as a viable treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Pain Management
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Sciatica, often caused by herniated lumbar discs, leads to significant pain and disability.
- While acupuncture is a common treatment for chronic sciatica, robust evidence supporting its efficacy is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for chronic sciatica stemming from herniated discs.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, randomized clinical trial involving 216 patients with chronic sciatica.
- Participants received 10 sessions of either acupuncture or sham acupuncture over 4 weeks, with blinding for participants, assessors, and statisticians.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture led to greater reductions in leg pain (VAS) and disability (ODI) compared to sham acupuncture at 4 weeks.
- These improvements were statistically significant and persisted through the 52-week follow-up.
- No serious adverse events were reported in either group.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture demonstrated superior efficacy over sham acupuncture in managing pain and improving function in chronic sciatica patients.
- The sustained benefits suggest acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for this condition.
- Further consideration of acupuncture as a therapeutic choice for sciatica is warranted.
