Riassunto dello studio

One hundred fifteen patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to receive auricular acupuncture plus active low-frequency laser (modified ILIB) (n=58) or auricular placebo plus sham laser (n=57). The primary outcome was pain intensity (0–10 NRS). Secondary outcomes were physical disability (Roland-Morris), quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), and pain self-efficacy (CPSS). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and seven days after the fourth weekly session. Overall, the results of the study revealed larger improvements with active treatment: pain fell from 7.50 to 3.42 vs 7.73 to 6.10, disability improved more, multiple WHOQOL domains favored active treatment, and self-efficacy improved across domains. In short, combining auricular acupuncture with modified ILIB reduced pain to a mild range and enhanced function and psychosocial outcomes compared with sham.