Acupuncture in Geriatric Pain Management: A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Chronic Low Back Pain

Addressing the challenge of managing chronic low back pain among the elderly, providers are increasingly turning to acupuncture as a promising non-drug solution. As clinicians search for effective therapies, acupuncture's ability to enhance physical function and offer relief without the side effects of traditional medications keeps it in consideration alongside other non-pharmacologic strategies.

A recent NIH-funded study showed that acupuncture significantly improved physical function and pain reduction in elderly patients. Other clinical evidence suggests that acupuncture not only alleviates pain but also positively modulates brain connectivity in pain-related pathways (for example, affecting the brain’s pain-control centers such as the periaqueductal gray). The same brain connectivity modulation that decreases pain is associated with improved function.

In translating evidence to practice, clinicians are integrating acupuncture into multimodal regimens. Specialists now consider combining acupuncture with exercise, which has shown greater reductions in pain scores and modest functional gains compared with exercise alone in some trials of older adults. This practical pairing aims to leverage complementary benefits while maintaining patient-centered goals.

Adoption, however, varies widely across settings. Coverage policies, availability of trained practitioners, and local referral networks shape whether older adults can access acupuncture in routine care. These operational realities influence how quickly evidence makes its way into everyday practice.

Such developments are prompting clinicians to revisit how they frame goals with patients—emphasizing functional improvement, realistic timelines, and shared decision-making around non-pharmacologic options. Addressing these gaps could support more consistent, guideline-aligned use of acupuncture within multimodal care, where appropriate to patient preference and access.

Key Takeaways:

• Acupuncture is one evidence-supported, non-pharmacologic option for chronic low back pain in older adults and can align well with geriatric care priorities.
• Emerging data, including an NIH-funded study summarized by a reputable news outlet, suggest improvements in pain and physical function for some patients.
• Potential mechanisms include modulation of pain-related brain networks, which is associated with functional gains, though causality is still being clarified.
• Implementation hinges on access, reimbursement, clinician training, and patient preferences, underscoring the need for multimodal, guideline-aligned care.