Effectiveness of Acupressure in Reducing Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and significantly affects individuals' quality of life, physical functioning, and productivity. While conventional treatments such as medication and physical therapy are commonly used, complementary therapies like acupressure have gained increasing attention as non-invasive and cost-effective alternatives for pain management. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Studies published in English that investigated the effects of acupressure on adults with chronic low back pain were included. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and comparative clinical studies were assessed. Data on study characteristics, intervention protocols, outcome measures, and key findings were extracted and analyzed. The reviewed studies consistently demonstrated that acupressure was associated with significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in physical function compared with baseline measurements and, in several cases, with control interventions. Participants receiving acupressure reported enhanced mobility, decreased disability scores, and improved quality of life. The effectiveness of treatment varied according to acupressure techniques, treatment duration, and frequency of sessions. Minimal adverse effects were reported, indicating that acupressure is generally safe and well tolerated.