Acupuncture

Prior studies have found acupuncture to produce rapid and short-term benefits for pain, physical function, tactile sensitivity, and quality of life in CNLBP. The long-term follow-up did not show superiority of acupuncture over TENS at 4 months or 3 years postpartum. The acupuncture intervention was compared with TENS over a 5-week treatment period. The acupuncture protocol consists of three sessions per week for 6 weeks, each session lasting 30 minutes. The original trial did not find significant differences between acupuncture and TENS after 5 weeks for functioning or other variables. De Qi—described as soreness, numbness, distension, and heaviness—is considered an essential component of acupuncture efficacy and is actively sought during treatment. Acupuncture is expected to act mainly on the physical dimension of CNLBP rather than its psychological dimension. Acupuncture may improve local microcirculation, promote clearance of metabolic products, reduce muscle stiffness, and lower pain sensitivity. Acupuncture carries a risk of transient discomfort, minor pain, bruising, or dizziness. Acupuncture was one of the two physiotherapy interventions tested for pregnancy-related pelvic…