Japanese researchers have examined the effects of acupuncture on pain, mood disturbances and medical expenses related to lower back pain among employees of a steel firm.
Acupuncture was given once a week to 72 workers, averaging 53 years in age. After eight weeks of treatment, patients reported less pain and a significant decrease in mood disturbance. There were also significant reductions in the number of visits to hospital for conventional care, and in medical expenses related to lower back pain.
(Acupuncture Can Reduce Perceived Pain, Mood Disturbances and Medical Expenses Related to Low Back Pain among Factory Workers. Ind Health 2008 Aug).