The evolution of non-specific acute low back pain into subacute and chronic one reflects the problems and sometimes helplessness of medical therapy. Recently, the interest in data for clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of alternative methods of treatment has been growing. The aim of the present research is to find out prospectively the extent of improvement of pain intensity and lumbar spine motion in patients with subacute and chronic low back pain without radiculopathy after implementation of classic acupuncture and manual massage (B group, n = 24) versus physiotherapy (electrotherapy with ultrasound and low frequency magnetic field) and the same manual massage (A group, n = 24). In both groups, the course of treatment was daily implemented within 10 working days. The intensity of pain was assessed by VAS (100 mm) and the change of lumbar mobility (cm) was assessed by modified Schober test at admission, after the end of procedures, at 3th month, and at 12th month. The results showed greater effectiveness of application of acupuncture (B group) versus physiotherapy (A group) (significant decrease of pain intensity -- p < 0.01 and increase of lumbar motion) after the end of treatment and 3th months later while at 12th month there was no difference (p > 0.01) between both groups. Findings support the suggestion for incorporation of classic true/verum acupuncture in European Guidelines for non-pharmacological treatment of low back pain without radiculopathy.

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