Acupuncture, used worldwide to control pain and other conditions, involves the stimulation of points on your body using a number or techniques. However, the most scientifically studied method consists of the insertion of thin, metallic needles into your skin that are manually manipulated or manipulated by electrical stimulation. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that optimal health depends on an internal balance of energy forces, called yin and yang. Yin stands for slow, passive energy; while, yang represents excited, active energy in your body.

According to this theory, an imbalance of these forces promotes disease by blocking pathways, or meridians, that allow the unrestricted flow of vital energy, or qi, throughout your body. Acupuncture aims to unblock your vital energy flow by targeting specific points on your body related to these meridians. Although generally considered safe, consult your doctor before trying acupuncture to ease any condition.

Acupuncture may benefit older individuals suffering from adult degenerative scoliosis, which appears due the combined factors of age and deterioration of the spine. TCM research observed the effects of acupuncture on low-back pain and curvature progression in adult degenerative scoliosis. An elderly female patient, aged 74, experienced low-back pain and scoliosis for two years -- despite traditional treatments, such as rehabilitation and medication.

After receiving acupuncture treatments three times weekly for a period of six weeks, the subject’s back pain not only lessened, but the curvature of her spine also decreased. Findings suggest that acupuncture plays a key role in pain control and can also improve curvature progression in some patients with degenerative scoliosis. However, insufficient clinical evidence exists to conclusively prove the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of pain and degenerative scoliosis.