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In the Clinic: Low Back Pain Ann Intern Med 2008; 148: ITC5-1 [Abstract] [PDF]

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Acupuncture for low back pain?

Carl E. Bartecchi   (28 May 2008)

Acupuncture for low back pain? 28 May 2008
Carl E. Bartecchi U. of Colorado School of Medicine Send rapid response to journal: Re: Acupuncture for low back pain? ckbartecchi{at}comcast.net Carl E. Bartecchi	In the 6 May 2008 Annals,in the clinic section, on low back pain,acupuncture surprisingly was listed as "among the interventions that probably have some benefit..." Readers might have benefited if they were informed that any benefit from acupuncture is probably due to its placebo effect as nicely described in the book SNAKE OIL SCIENCE by R. Barker Bausell, a biostatistician and Research Director of a National Institutes of Health-funded Complementary and Alternative Medicine Specialized Research Center. He points out how statistical and methodological deficiencies in CAM research accounts for the positive results reported on therapies such as acupuncture. His book should be read by anyone contemplating the use of acupuncture or any alternative medicine treatment for any real illness. Carl E. Bartecchi, M.D.,FACP Clinical Professor of Medicine U. of Colorado School of Medicine Conflict of Interest: None declared