By Stephen Beech

Acupuncture is a "safe and effective" treatment for back pain in older people, according to new research.

Chronic back pain patients aged over 65 treated using the traditional Chinese method involving the insertion of needles into the body had greater improvement in physical function and reduced pain than those who received usual medical care, say American scientists.

The condition is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and affects over one-in-three older adults.

Treatment options range from pain-relieving drugs to complementary therapies, including acupuncture.

Study lead author Dr. Lynn DeBar said: “Of the different treatments we have for chronic low back pain, most have a somewhat modest effect.

"They often reduce pain by about a third at best and can help

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