OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of using acupuncture and core stability exercises to treat acute low back pain among industrial workers at an Occupational health department in the UK. METHODS: Consecutive samples of patients with acute low back pain, LBP (n = 15) of less than 12 weeks duration, who attended the Physiotherapy Department at the Occupational Health Unit during the study were recruited. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of the three groups (using a computer-generated table of randomisation), acupuncture group (ACG), acupuncture and core stability group (EACG) and core stability group (CSG). ACG received acupuncture treatment at selected points, for low back pain, CSG received instruction on core stability muscle activation, while the AECG received a combination of acupuncture and core stability exercise treatment. Each group received treatment once weekly for six weeks during the study. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and medication use were completed at baseline, at the end of six-week treatment and at three-months follow up. RESULTS: All the groups reported lower VAS and RMDQ scores at the end of the treatment and at the three-months follow up, however, significant reduction in pain intensity (p < 0.008) and significant reduction in RMDQ scores (improvement in QOL) were further progression to no medication intake at the three-month post-intervention. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that combined acupuncture and core stability exercise treatment are effective for pain relief among industrial workers, reduction of back pain, functional disability and pain medication intake in patients suffering from acute low back pain for up to three months post-intervention.

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