Exploring acupuncture's effects on chronic low back pain for Medicare patients
Official title: Acupuncture for Medicare Beneficiaries with Chronic Low Back Pain: Access, Utilization, and Outcomes
Funded at Southern California Univ of Health Scis · NIH-11144531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how acupuncture might help older adults on Medicare who have chronic low back pain, looking at how well it works, how safe it is, and whether it's a good option compared to regular pain medications, while also checking how easy it is for them to get acupuncture and what challenges they might face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern California Univ of Health Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Whittier, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $530,949 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT012615-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Medicare beneficiaries who are experiencing chronic low back pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic low back pain or are not Medicare beneficiaries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how acupuncture can help Medicare beneficiaries suffering from chronic low back pain (cLBP). It aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and costs of acupuncture compared to traditional pain medications. The study will also look into how accessible acupuncture services are for these patients and identify any barriers they may face in receiving this treatment. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to improve care quality for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide Medicare patients with a safer, non-pharmacological alternative for managing chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown positive outcomes for acupuncture in managing chronic pain, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern California Univ of Health Scis
Whittier, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whedon, James M. — Southern California Univ of Health Scis
- Study coordinator: Whedon, James M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.