A randomized, placebo-controlled study published in Spine (December 15, 2011;36[26]:E1659–E1665) evaluated electro-acupuncture in 124 patients with sub-acute or chronic whiplash-associated disorder (grade I or II).
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 12 electro-acupuncture treatments or sham acupuncture over a six-month period. Pain outcomes were assessed at three and six months.
Patients receiving electro-acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to the placebo group at both follow-up points.
Takeaway
Electro-acupuncture produced modest but measurable pain relief in patients with mild to moderate whiplash-associated disorders. While not definitive, the findings suggest it may be a useful adjunct for selected patients when conservative care alone is insufficient. Learn more about acupuncture.
