Chronic pain in the muscles and joints can make life miserable. Standard treatments like ice and heat, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and appropriate exercises can often ease the pain. But when they don’t, acupuncture is an option with a good track record that’s worth considering.

Over the years there has been substantial debate about whether acupuncture really works for chronic pain. Research from an international team of experts adds to the evidence that it does provide real relief from common forms of pain. The team pooled the results of 29 studies involving nearly 18,000 participants. Some had acupuncture, some had “sham” acupuncture, and some didn’t have acupuncture at all. Overall, acupuncture relieved pain by about 50%. The results were published in Archives of Internal Medicine.

The study isn’t the last word on the issue, but it is one of the best quality studies to date and has made an impression.

“I think the benefit of acupuncture is clear, and the complications and potential adverse effects of acupuncture are low compared with medication,” says Dr. Lucy Chen, a board-certified anesthesiologist, specialist in pain medicine, and practicing acupuncturist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

cupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, often with needles, to promote natural healing and improve function. It is believed to influence the nervous system, immune system, and various bodily functions, helping to alleviate pain and inflammation. This ancient practice is now widely accepted as a complementary therapy for chronic pain management, particularly when conventional treatments fall short.

Moreover, acupuncture’s role in pain management is supported by its low risk of side effects compared to long-term medication use. As more high-quality studies are conducted, the integration of acupuncture into mainstream medical practices continues to grow, providing patients with more holistic options for managing chronic pain.