Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine.[2] It is used most commonly for pain relief,[9][10] though it is also used to treat a wide range of conditions. The majority of people who seek out acupuncture do so for musculoskeletal problems, including low back pain, shoulder stiffness, and knee pain.[31] Acupuncture is generally only used in combination with other forms of treatment.[11] For example, American Society of Anesthesiologists states it may be considered in the treatment for nonspecific, noninflammatory low back pain only in conjunction with conventional therapy.[32]
