One hundred and eighty-five patients with acute low back pain were randomized to receive standard treatment (advice on activity, analgesic medication, sick leave) with or without the addition of an acupuncture session. The primary outcome of interest was time to recovery. Secondary outcomes of interest included pain severity, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), the EuroQoL 5 dimensions, 3 levels (EQ-5D-3L) health related quality of life questionnaire, number of sick leave days taken, patient's perception of global improvement, medication use, incidence of adverse events, and the number of new visits to the general practitioner. Outcomes were assessed up to 1 year post-treatment. No statistical significant differences were observed between the two groups in all outcomes.