Acupuncture is an evidence-supported nonpharmacologic option for many people with chronic low-back or spinal pain. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found that acupuncture can improve pain and function compared with no treatment, sham acupuncture, or usual care, particularly in the immediate and short term.

For radiating pain or radiculitis, acupuncture may be considered as part of a broader conservative plan when clinically appropriate. Radicular symptoms need careful screening because worsening neurologic deficits or red-flag symptoms warrant medical evaluation or referral.

Acupuncture may be used as a supportive component of a personalized weight-management plan that emphasizes nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and medically appropriate follow-up. Reviews of randomized trials have reported modest improvements in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in some populations, although study quality, treatment protocols, and results vary.

We do not present acupuncture as a stand-alone cure for obesity. Instead, it may complement sustainable lifestyle changes and coordinated medical care when needed.

Acupuncture for low-back pain
Medical Acupuncture, 2021

Acupuncture for chronic spinal pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Global Spine Journal, 2021

Acupuncture for radicular pain: Analgesic mechanisms and evidence review
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2024

Acupuncture for lumbar disc herniation
Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2024

Acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for obesity: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2020

Acupuncture and related therapies for obesity: Network meta-analysis
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018

Acupuncture and weight loss in Asian populations: Meta-analysis
Medicine, 2019

Acupuncture as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions for weight loss
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, 2024