[Effectiveness of low back pain treatment with acupuncture].

INTRODUCTION: In Colombia, 40% of the population has used acupuncture services for the treatment of chronic diseases; however, there is lack of evidence on the effectiveness of this treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of patients with low back pain treated at a health center in Bogotá.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 150 medical records of patients treated for low back pain from January, 2014, to May, 2016, at a health center in Bogotá. From these, we selected 48 records basedon the inclusion criteria previously defined. We then used the Friedman test to establish the effect of acupuncture on the pain among the patients selected, and an unstructured measurement instrument to measure the impact of adherence to the therapy on its effectiveness.

RESULTS: The results of the Friedman test (95% confidence interval), showed that there was a positive impact on pain reduction among patients with low back pain treated with acupuncture and that adherence to the treatment was a key factor for its effectiveness.

DISCUSSION: As acupuncture was effective among these patients, and adherence proved to be a fundamental part of the process, it would be important to include this type of therapy in the mandatory health plan in Colombia.

KEYWORDS: Low back pain/therapy; acupuncture; pain; treatment outcome

PMID: 29809328