Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management

Abstract

According to National Institute of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop (2014), chronic pain affects an estimated 100 million Americans, with approximately 25 million people experiencing moderate to severe chronic pain, which negatively impacts their ability to function leading to a diminished quality of life. Pain is the primary reason Americans are on disability, which adds to the economic and social burden of suffering for the nation. Chronic pain costs are estimated to be between $560 and $630 billion per year. An estimated 5 to 8 million Americans use opioids for long-term management of chronic pain, which can have deleterious effects on their lives including addiction. Recent evidence suggests that acupuncture, a treatment modality that has been used worldwide for over 2,000 years, may provide a useful pain management option for those who suffer from chronic pain. The investigation into its mechanism of action and efficacy remains elusive, but promising.