Before, during, and after treatment, they rated their pain and disability on a scale of zero to 10. The groups rated their low back pain similarly before treatment, but there were significant differences afterward. The acupuncture group had an average pain reduction of 2.5 points in the morning and six points in the evening, whereas the physical therapy group had a reduction of only 1.5 points in the morning and two points in the evening. Similarly, there were significant differences in disability after treatment. The acupuncture group had less difficulty in performing 11 out of 12 daily activities, yet there were no changes reported by the physical therapy group.
Doctors say acupuncture can also relieve nausea during pregnancy.
For this reason, Bridges supports the study researchers' use of ear acupuncture, rather than body acupuncture. For more information, visit WebMD's Living Better Pregnancy page. Low back pain affects up to three-quarters of all pregnant women, especially those who smoke, do strenuous work, or have a history of back problems. A new study shows that acupuncture may work better for low back pain in pregnant women than the conventional treatment with massage, heat, and exercise. There are special precautions to take with pregnant women, because experts say some acupuncture points can actually induce labor.