The article focuses on the significance of the BackInAction randomized clinical trial, published in JAMA Network Open, which evaluated the use of acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) in adults aged 65 and older. This trial was a direct response to a call by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to inform coverage decisions regarding acupuncture reimbursement for older adults. The study enrolled 800 seniors with CLBP, assigning them to one of three groups: usual medical care only, standard acupuncture, or enhanced acupuncture (which included maintenance sessions). The acupuncture protocols balanced scientific rigor with real-world practice flexibility, utilizing core points along with individualized point selection. Key takeaways showed that both acupuncture groups experienced greater and more durable reductions in disability (measured by RMDQ scores) and pain compared to the usual care group over six and 12 months. Adverse events were extremely rare, underscoring the safety of acupuncture for seniors. The article highlights the importance of these robust findings, noting they add considerable weight to the legislative effort to pass the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act. Currently, while Medicare covers acupuncture for CLBP, it does not recognize licensed acupuncturists as Medicare providers, making these results crucial for advancing professional recognition.
