Acupuncture is cost-effective for the treatment of chronic pain, according to a systematic review carried out by UK researchers. The authors synthesised data from eight economic evaluations, seven cost-utility analyses and one cost-effectiveness analysis, which covered acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain, neck pain, dysmenorrhea, migraines, arthritis and headaches. The researchers discovered correlations between the clinical benefits of acupuncture and medical cost savings. From the seven cost-utility analyses, acupuncture was found to be clinically effective, however it also increased the cost of treatment. The cost of acupuncture per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained ranged from £2,527 to £14,976 per QALY. This is significantly below the commonly quoted threshold of willingness to pay used by the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (£20,000 to £30,000). The single cost-effectiveness study analysed indicated that there might be both clinical benefits and cost savings associated with acupuncture for migraine. (Costs and consequences of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain: A systematic review of economic evaluations conducted alongside randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2012 Oct;20(5):364-74).
Categories: Acupuncture research
