A Comparative Study on the Immediate Impact of Balance Meridian and Electro-Acupuncture on Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition. Acupuncture is commonly used for pain management, with electroacupuncture (EA) being a widely accepted treatment. However, limited evidence exists on the immediate effects of balance meridian acupuncture (BMA) compared to EA. Objective: To evaluate the immediate effects of EA and BMA on pain and disability in individuals with chronic LBP. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 participants (69% male, 31% female) aged 25–70 years (EA group: 47.5 ± 8.21 years; BMA group: 43.9 ± 8.51 years), diagnosed with LBP for up to 4 years. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 25 min of intervention using a goniometer, Visual Analog Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index. The study was registered under the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2024/05/066646). Results: Both interventions demonstrated improvements in pain intensity and disability, with significant clinical improvement in the BMA group ( p < 0.01) for pain intensity, stiffness, and lumbar spine (LS) function. LS extension, LS flexion, and lateral flexion showed marked improvement in the BMA group compared to the EA group. Conclusion: BMA is a feasible and superior treatment compared to EA in reducing pain, and stiffness and enhancing joint balance in individuals with chronic LBP in the short term.