Acupuncture for Back Pain: Backed by 2025 Clinical Research

Published in JAMA Network Open (February 2025), a landmark U.S. clinical trial brings exciting news for individuals living with chronic low back pain: acupuncture is not only safe but also proven to provide meaningful and lasting relief — and in many cases, insurance policies may help cover the associated costs.

The Study at a Glance

• Who: 800 adults aged 65+ with chronic low back pain
• What: Randomized clinical trial comparing acupuncture + usual medical care vs. usual medical care alone
• Where: Multiple sites across the United States, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Results: Both acupuncture groups experienced greater improvements in pain and function at 6 and 12 months compared to those receiving usual care alone.
• Safety: Serious adverse events were rare and occurred at similar rates across all groups.

Read the complete study here: JAMA Network Open Article

What This Means for Patients

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care. Standard treatments — from medications to physical therapy — often do not provide sufficient relief. This large, high-quality trial provides strong scientific support for acupuncture as an effective and lasting treatment option.

At Mayflower Acupuncture, we’ve seen firsthand how patients regain mobility, sleep better, and experience profound relaxation after treatment. This new evidence shows those benefits are not just anecdotal — they are measurable, significant, and backed by rigorous research.

Some Insurance Policies Cover Acupuncture

The good news: many insurance plans now include acupuncture for chronic pain, though coverage depends on your policy and provider.

At Mayflower Acupuncture, we offer insurance verification as a courtesy so you’ll know precisely what your plan includes before beginning care.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one struggles with chronic low back pain, now is the time to explore acupuncture:

• Safe and natural
• Backed by modern clinical research
• May be covered by your insurance

Call us at (860) 413-2118 or Book Online to schedule your consultation.

Complete Healing & Profound Relaxation — backed by science and supported by many insurance plans.