Implementing Group Battlefield Acupuncture in CCRCs for the Treatment of Chronic Lower Back Pain

we will implement 12 weeks of BFA. These sessions will be done every other week (total of 6 sessions over 12 weeks). During these sessions, Dr. Quinlan (Co-I) and another BFA-trained provider (Dr. Wilbur or Dr. Butler; also research team members) will perform the group BFA protocol with all 20 participants. During this 12-week acupuncture phase, participants will receive the same SMS messages twice a week to collect pain intensity scores. The group BFA protocol involves taking vitals for all patients (similar to a regular medical visit) and placing all 10 acupuncture needles (5 in each ear) while the patient remains seated in a chair. Once the acupuncture needles are placed, the patient will be asked to move around and remain in the room for 30 minutes (for any questions or medical concerns.

During the first 12 weeks of the trial, the research manager will collect weekly pain scores using the visual analog scale (pain scale 1-10). During the second 12 week phase of the trial, which includes the acupuncture sessions, the research manager will collect pain scores using the visual analog scale at each acupuncture session immediately before and 30 minutes after the acupuncture protocol by the research team, and then twice a week thereafter.

During the first 12 weeks of the trial, the research manager will collect weekly Roland -Morris Disability questionnaire data. During the second 12 week phase of the trial, which includes the acupuncture sessions, the research manager will collect disability scores using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire at each acupuncture session (6 sessions in total).