The Associated Press: Study: Acupuncture Works for Back Pain
German researchers, in a study of over 1100 patients, tried acupuncture, "sham" acupuncture and standard medication + exercise for lower back pain.
When followed up, 48% of patients reported relief from the acupuncture and 44% from the "sham" acupuncture. Amazingly, only 27% reported relief from the standard "western" approach.
Doctors are putting it down to "placebo". Of course.
Stephen