Acupuncture for the treatment or management of chronic pain.
Evidence supports the safety and efficacy of acupuncture compared with no treatment, but it is unclear what role the placebo effect plays in acupuncture's efficacy. In determining whether acupuncture is indicated for a given individual or patient population, clinicians should consider acupuncture's effectiveness compared with no acupuncture--as well as the effectiveness, safety, and cost of alternative types of treatment.
Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27715, USA. remy.coeytaux@duke.edu
Remy R
RR
Coeytaux
Eric
E
Garland
D026881:Acupuncture; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D002568:Certification; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure; D009657:North Carolina; D000078329:Workforce