However, a 1997 meta-analysis of 17 studies that looked at acupuncture in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthropathy, lupus and local and progressive systemic scleroderma found the studies failed to show the effectiveness of acupuncture for these conditions. Furthermore, many studies are not published in English and few acupuncture studies meet rigorous scientific standards. Dr. Berman, who also practices acupuncture, says more and better studies are needed to measure the effects of acupuncture. There's enough research to suggest acupuncture relieves pain for some, and that it is safe when performed by a trained professional using sterile or disposable needles. Acupuncture appears to work best on fibromyalgia and soft-tissue pain, and to be least effective for rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic inflammatory conditions, doctors say.
Relief is often temporary, and treatments can be time-consuming and expensive.
A few patients will integrate it into their treatment, but most patients give up acupuncture because it's so costly, both in dollars and time, to have two or three sessions a week. Acupuncture may not be covered by your insurance, even if it's given by a medical doctor. Acupuncture advocates disagree. In the beginning, acupuncture's pain-relieving effects may last a week or less, Dr. Kassan admits. But after four or five weekly treatments, many patients find they can progressively decrease the frequency and end up with monthly treatments.