The majority of Norwegian patients with treatment-resistant chronic pain regained normal national health standards within 12 months after De-Qi acupuncture - a prospective observational propensity score matched study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: In previous studies, acupuncture was effective in the treatment of patients with chronic pain that was unresponsive to conventional therapies. However, the proportion of patients in a real-world setting who regain normal health after 1 year, following De-Qi acupuncture is unknown. Methods: This is an observational prospective study of 354 new patients in a family medical practice between 2015 and 2018. Patients self-assessed pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and health using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) before treatment and at 3- and 12-months of follow-up. VAS and SF-36 components were compared for improvements and therapeutic effect sizes. Propensity score matching was employed to avoid bias by confounding variables. Results: < .001, large effect size); SF-36 scores also improved. 75% of patients showed strong responses, with 58% reaching complete cure and 17% achieving near-normal health. Patients aged >65 responded well and ≥6 treatments were associated with stronger responses than 1-5. Hill criteria analysis of improvements with acupuncture suggested causation over association. Conclusion: In patients with chronic pain (median 18 months), who were unresponsive to conventional treatments, De-Qi acupuncture was associated with sustained pain reduction and health improvements. Most attained Norwegian national normal health standards (complete cure) after 12-months.
Source: Frontiers in Pain Research
Authors: Veronika Lindberg, Jan Baak
Institution: Stavanger University Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,077
OpenAlex ID: W4409240703