Thread-embedding Combined With Auricular Acupuncture for Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant global health issue, with cases expected to rise by 36.4% by 2050. Chronic LBP (cLBP), lasting over three months, is mostly non-specific cLBP (cNLBP), posing a challenge for effective management. Common treatments include medication, exercise, and acupuncture. This study explores the combined use of thread-embedding and auricular acupuncture for treating cNLBP, as combining these methods is thought to enhance effectiveness. Participants with cNLBP will be randomized into four groups to receive either the combination of both treatments, each treatment individually with a sham, or both shams. The study will last eight weeks, with four weeks of intervention and four weeks of follow-up. Treatment outcomes, including pain, disability, medication use, and quality of life, will be evaluated, along with monitoring for adverse effects.