If you're among the millions of Americans over 65 dealing with that nagging, persistent back pain that makes getting out of bed feel like climbing Mount Everest, there's encouraging news from the medical world. A major new study has confirmed what many have suspected for years: acupuncture isn't just ancient wisdom—it's scientifically proven medicine that could help you reclaim your active lifestyle.
The groundbreaking research offers hope for the approximately one-third of US adults 65 years of age and older who experience lower back pain.
What makes this study particularly compelling is that it was designed specifically for seniors, addressing the unique challenges and health considerations that come with being over 65.
Why this study changes everything for seniors
The BackInAction clinical trial wasn't just another small-scale research project.
This was a comprehensive, 800-participant study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in JAMA Network Open—one of the most respected medical journals in the country.
The research was conducted across multiple healthcare systems, from Kaiser Permanente facilities to community health centers, ensuring the results reflect real-world conditions rather than ideal laboratory settings.
What sets this apart from previous acupuncture research is its laser focus on seniors.
As lead researcher Dr. Lynn DeBar explained, "What sets the BackInAction study apart is that it focused specifically on adults 65 years of age and older, and it was pragmatically designed".
The study team worked hard to include participants from multiple regions so the demographics matched the US census for older adults.
"We found that the size of this effect, while modest, was positive and sustained."
The treatment protocol that worked
The study participants followed a specific treatment plan that you could potentially replicate.
One-third received up to 15 acupuncture treatments over three months (standard treatment), while another third received six additional maintenance treatments in the following three months.
The third group received only conventional medical care.
Here's what researchers found: both acupuncture groups showed greater reductions in pain-related disability at both six months and 12 months compared to those receiving standard medical care alone.
Perhaps most remarkably, the effects lasted until the end of 12 months after only three months of once-weekly sessions—something that can't be said for pain medications, which stop working when you stop taking them.
Also read: Struggling with back pain? Here’s what actually works, according to experts
The safety factor that matters for seniors
One of the biggest concerns for anyone over 65 considering a new treatment is safety, especially when you're already managing multiple health conditions or taking various medications.
The BackInAction study addressed this head-on.
"We saw very little in the way of adverse effects during the clinical trial," reported co-lead researcher Dr. Andrea Cook.
She emphasized that "acupuncture offers a less invasive option that has a better safety profile than a lot of the common treatments for back pain in older adults".
This is particularly significant when you consider that older adults often are dealing with other medical problems in addition to back pain .
Traditional pain medications can interact with other drugs, cause digestive issues, or increase fall risks—concerns that don't apply to acupuncture.
Understanding the study's measurement approach
The BackInAction researchers didn't just ask "Does your back hurt less?" They used a comprehensive 24-statement assessment covering everyday activities that back pain makes difficult—from climbing stairs to carrying groceries. This approach captures how treatments actually improve daily life, not just pain numbers on a scale.
The Medicare coverage puzzle
Here's where things get frustrating: while Medicare does cover acupuncture for lower back pain (as of 2020), the current system has significant limitations that could prevent you from accessing this proven treatment.
Medicare currently covers up to 12 acupuncture treatments within a 90-day period, with the possibility of 8 additional treatments if you show improvement.
However, there's a catch: treatments must be administered or supervised by a physician or other qualified provider in a hospital or clinic setting.
This restriction creates a real problem.
Only 15% of acupuncture providers currently work in hospitals, which means there are a lot of the 33 million Medicare recipients in the United States who cannot get access to this care from experts in the field.
Most licensed acupuncturists work in community practices and cannot bill Medicare directly under current regulations.
Also read: Two simple brain techniques to help ease back pain—no pills needed!
Legislative changes on the horizon
The good news is that Congress is paying attention.
Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025 in February.
The bill would provide more complete Medicare coverage for acupuncture services and allow community-based licensed acupuncturists to bill Medicare directly.
This isn't just wishful thinking—it's part of a broader recognition that the BackInAction study was undertaken as part of the NIH's Helping to End Addiction Long-term, or HEAL, Initiative, which seeks to speed scientific solutions to stem the opioid crisis.
Effective non-pharmaceutical treatments like acupuncture are seen as crucial tools in reducing America's dependence on addictive pain medications.
How acupuncture compares to your other options
When you're dealing with chronic back pain, most treatments reduce pain by about a third at best and can help people function better.
What makes acupuncture stand out isn't that it's dramatically more effective than other treatments, but that its benefits are sustained and come without the side effects of long-term medication use.
Dr. Gary Deng, director of integrative oncology at UCI Health, told UPI that the BackInAction study's importance comes from "its scientific rigor. It is a large randomized controlled trial of 800 people, meaning that we can have more confidence in the results".
The study also found an unexpected bonus: participants who received acupuncture showed reduced levels of anxiety compared to those receiving standard medical care alone.
For seniors dealing with the stress of chronic pain, this mental health benefit could be as valuable as the physical relief.
Finding qualified providers in your area
If you're interested in trying acupuncture, start by checking with your doctor about whether your specific Medicare plan covers treatments.
If you have Medicare Advantage, coverage may differ from traditional Medicare.
When looking for a provider, ensure they are licensed in your state and have experience working with seniors.
The study used licensed acupuncturists in the community, who are most likely to deliver these services, suggesting that community-based practitioners may offer the most authentic and effective treatments.
Many acupuncturists offer consultation appointments where you can discuss your specific condition and treatment expectations.
Don't hesitate to ask about their experience with Medicare billing and whether they work with medical doctors in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Large NIH study confirms acupuncture's effectiveness specifically for seniors 65+
- Benefits lasted 12 months with just 3 months of weekly treatments
- Minimal side effects compared to pain medications
- Medicare covers some treatments but access is limited
- New legislation could expand coverage to community providers
- Treatment involves 12-15 sessions over 3 months for optimal results
Looking ahead: advocacy and access
As this research gains attention, seniors and their advocates have an opportunity to push for improved access to acupuncture treatments.
Contact your representatives about supporting the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act, and discuss acupuncture options with your healthcare provider during your next appointment.
The BackInAction study proves that effective, non-pharmaceutical treatments for chronic pain aren't just possible—they're scientifically validated and ready for broader implementation.
The question now is whether the healthcare system will expand access to meet the growing needs of older adults living with chronic pain.
What This Means For You
Your experience with chronic back pain doesn't have to define your golden years. With treatments like acupuncture showing real, sustained benefits, there are more options than ever for reclaiming an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Read next:
- Say goodbye to low back pain with this simple, free exercise—Feel the difference quickly!
- Straighten up: 10 simple fixes that can ease shoulder pain
- Want to move with ease as you age? Try these 4 easy exercises!
What's your experience been with alternative treatments for back pain? Have you considered acupuncture, and what questions would you want answered before trying it?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your insights could help other readers make informed decisions about their pain management journey.
Original Article
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/acu...rs-and-sometimes-its-covered-by-u-s-medicare/
Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: Design and Protocol for the BackInAction Pragmatic Clinical Trial - PMC
Cited text: Back pain prevalence and burden increase with age; approximately one-third of U.S. adults 65 years of age and older experience lower back pain (LBP).
Excerpt: approximately one-third of U.S. adults 65 years of age and older who experience lower back pain
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10416311/
Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: Design and Protocol for the BackInAction Pragmatic Clinical Trial - PMC
Cited text: ... Back pain prevalence and burden increase with age; approximately one-third of U.S. adults 65 years of age and older experience lower back pain (LB...
Excerpt: approximately one-third of U.S. adults 65 years of age and older who experience lower back pain
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10416311/
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Cited text: We found that the size of this effect, while modest, was positive and sustained.” · The clinical trial, known as BackInAction, enrolled 800 participan...
Excerpt: 800-participant study
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/new...ng-effects-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults
Study supports acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for chronic low back pain in older adults
Cited text: The clinical trial, known as BackInAction, enrolled 800 participants, with results based upon self-reported pain-related disability assessments follow...
Excerpt: 800-participant study
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-acupuncture-safe-effective-treatment-chronic.html
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Cited text: Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial” 2025. JAMA Network Open.
Excerpt: published in JAMA Network Open
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/new...ng-effects-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Cited text: “What sets the BackInAction study apart is that it focused specifically on adults 65 years of age and older, and it was pragmatically designed,” DeBar...
Excerpt: "What sets the BackInAction study apart is that it focused specifically on adults 65 years of age and older, and it was pragmatically designed"
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/new...ng-effects-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Cited text: A third of those received up to 15 acupuncture treatments over three months (standard acupuncture treatment), and another third received an additional...
Excerpt: One-third received up to 15 acupuncture treatments over three months
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/new...ng-effects-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults
Study supports acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for chronic low back pain in older adults
Cited text: One-third of those received up to 15 acupuncture treatments over three months (standard acupuncture treatment), and another one-third received an addi...
Excerpt: One-third received up to 15 acupuncture treatments over three months
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-acupuncture-safe-effective-treatment-chronic.html
Acupuncture is an Effective Treatment for Back Pain in Seniors–And Sometimes it's Covered by U.S. Medicare
Cited text: UPI talked to experts who were surprised that the effects lasted until the end of 12 months after only three months of the once-weekly sessions, which...
Excerpt: the effects lasted until the end of 12 months after only three months of once-weekly sessions
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/acu...rs-and-sometimes-its-covered-by-u-s-medicare/
Acupuncture is an Effective Treatment for Back Pain in Seniors–And Sometimes it's Covered by U.S. Medicare
Cited text: Not so for acupuncture, according to this study.
Excerpt: the effects lasted until the end of 12 months after only three months of once-weekly sessions
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/acu...rs-and-sometimes-its-covered-by-u-s-medicare/
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Cited text: “We saw very little in the way of adverse effects during the clinical trial,” said co-lead researcher Andrea J. Cook, Ph.D., Kaiser Permanente senior ...
Excerpt: "We saw very little in the way of adverse effects during the clinical trial,"
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/new...ng-effects-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults
Study supports acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for chronic low back pain in older adults
Cited text: "We saw very little in the way of adverse effects during the clinical trial," said co-lead researcher Andrea J. Cook, Ph.D., Kaiser Permanente senior ...
Excerpt: "We saw very little in the way of adverse effects during the clinical trial,"
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-acupuncture-safe-effective-treatment-chronic.html
September 15, 2025: In BackInAction Pragmatic Trial, Acupuncture Improved Back Pain–Related Disability in Older Adults - Rethinking Clinical Trials
Cited text: “Acupuncture offers a less invasive option that has a better safety profile than a lot of the common treatments for back pain in older adults,” she sa...
Excerpt: "acupuncture offers a less invasive option that has a better safety profile than a lot of the common treatments for back pain in older adults"
https://rethinkingclinicaltrials.or...back-pain-related-disability-in-older-adults/
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Cited text: “Older adults often are dealing with other medical problems in addition to back pain.
Excerpt: older adults often are dealing with other medical problems in addition to back pain
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/new...ng-effects-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults
Acupuncture deemed effective for chronic lower back pain in seniors - UPI.com
Cited text: The results come five years after Medicare agreed to begin covering limited numbers of acupuncture treatments for lower back pain, but only when admin...
Excerpt: treatments must be administered or supervised by a physician or other qualified provider in a hospital or clinic setting
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/202...t-chronic-low-back-pain-seniors/9821757952856
Acupuncture deemed effective for chronic lower back pain in seniors - UPI.com
Cited text: "Only 15% of our providers currently work in hospitals, which means there are a lot of the 33 million Medicare recipients in the United States who can...
Excerpt: Only 15% of acupuncture providers currently work in hospitals, which means there are a lot of the 33 million Medicare recipients in the United States who cannot get access to this care from experts in the field
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/202...t-chronic-low-back-pain-seniors/9821757952856
Acupuncture deemed effective for chronic lower back pain in seniors - NewsBreak
Cited text: "Only 15% of our providers currently work in hospitals, which means there are a lot of the 33 million Medicare recipients in the United States who can...
Excerpt: Only 15% of acupuncture providers currently work in hospitals, which means there are a lot of the 33 million Medicare recipients in the United States who cannot get access to this care from experts in the field
https://www.newsbreak.com/upi-news-...ective-for-chronic-lower-back-pain-in-seniors
Acupuncture gets boost in NIH-funded study
Cited text: Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025 in February. The bill would provide more complete Medicare coverage for ac...
Excerpt: Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025 in February.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/healthcare/3806169/acupuncture-welcome-boost-nih-study/
Acupuncture deemed effective for chronic lower back pain in seniors - UPI.com
Cited text: The Backinaction study was undertaken as part of the NIH's Helping to End Addiction Long-term, or HEAL, Initiative, which seeks to speed scientific so...
Excerpt: the BackInAction study was undertaken as part of the NIH's Helping to End Addiction Long-term, or HEAL, Initiative, which seeks to speed scientific solutions to stem the opioid crisis
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/202...t-chronic-low-back-pain-seniors/9821757952856
Acupuncture deemed effective for chronic lower back pain in seniors - NewsBreak
Cited text: The Backinaction study was undertaken as part of the NIH's Helping to End Addiction Long-term, or HEAL, Initiative, which seeks to speed scientific so...
Excerpt: the BackInAction study was undertaken as part of the NIH's Helping to End Addiction Long-term, or HEAL, Initiative, which seeks to speed scientific solutions to stem the opioid crisis
https://www.newsbreak.com/upi-news-...ective-for-chronic-lower-back-pain-in-seniors
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Cited text: They often reduce pain by about a third at best and can help people function better,” said lead author Lynn L. DeBar, Ph.D., Kaiser Permanente disting...
Excerpt: most treatments reduce pain by about a third at best and can help people function better
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/new...ng-effects-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults
Acupuncture deemed effective for chronic lower back pain in seniors - UPI.com
Cited text: They often reduce pain by about a third at best and can help people function better," lead author Lynn DeBar, the Kaiser Permanente distinguished inve...
Excerpt: most treatments reduce pain by about a third at best and can help people function better
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/202...t-chronic-low-back-pain-seniors/9821757952856
Acupuncture deemed effective for chronic lower back pain in seniors - UPI.com
Cited text: It is a large randomized controlled trial of 800 people, meaning that we can have more confidence in the results, conducted at multiple study sites.
Excerpt: the BackInAction study's importance comes from "its scientific rigor. It is a large randomized controlled trial of 800 people, meaning that we can have more confidence in the results"
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/202...t-chronic-low-back-pain-seniors/9821757952856
September 15, 2025: In BackInAction Pragmatic Trial, Acupuncture Improved Back Pain–Related Disability in Older Adults - Rethinking Clinical Trials
Cited text: “And we worked with licensed acupuncturists in the community, who are most likely to deliver these services,” she said.
Excerpt: licensed acupuncturists in the community, who are most likely to deliver these services
https://rethinkingclinicaltrials.or...back-pain-related-disability-in-older-adults/
Acupuncture deemed effective for chronic lower back pain in seniors - UPI.com
Cited text: "This study shows that achieving back pain relief from acupuncture is verifiable and replicable, and that treatments can make a huge differences in pe...
Excerpt: "This study shows that achieving back pain relief from acupuncture is verifiable and replicable, and that treatments can make a huge difference in people's lives at one year out"
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/202...t-chronic-low-back-pain-seniors/9821757952856
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