yes, before i had a hip replacement i had a course of acupuncture to help manage the pain. it wasnt a miracle cure (because obvs the hip was dodgy) but it did help me manage the pain better
My osteopath cheerfully admitted that the scientific community don't know exactly how acupuncture works successfully, but it does.
I had needles from my neck to my ankles, and the general rule is, the nearer a bone is to the skin surface, the more it will hurt, but that said, it's not agonising, and compared with the pain it relieves, it is well worth it.
Spath - I am sure there is some logic in your point - for people who gain relief from back pain, they are probably like me, not too bothered about the cause, but very grateful for the effect.
I had RSI in my fingers which was total agony. Treatment at the hospital was splinting and NSAIDs which actually made it worse. My GP suggested acupuncture, and things started to improve within days.
Another yes from me, Khandro.......my first experience was many years ago as a last resort with no faith to try to end some severe back and leg pain.....over the following few hours I felt the pain slowly going....never to return...
Later I was a Swedish massage therapist for years which was hard on my hands.....as soon as I felt pain or stiffness in the joints I'd have a session....it always worked....x
Yet another 'Yes' from me (severe, chronic back pain). Tried everything over the years. Last year my G.P. offered me a 6-week course of acupuncture(she does it) but added that it works on some people, not everyone. I was sceptical, but agreed to give it a try.
Something certainly happened by the end of the sessions. G.P. said best results are on pain, she hasn't known it work on, e.g. morning sickness, and she added that it affects 'pain gates'.