Acupunture is one of the most widely used treatments for back pain across the globe. This treatment has been used for centuries, and many studies have found good results for relief of back pain with the use of acupuncture.

An interesting twist has emerged, when a recent study found that while acupunture is helpful in relieving back pain, "sham" acupunture performed without needles, also relieved symptoms. Patients either had acupunture, sham acupunture, or medications for treatment of their back pain. Patients who had the acupunture treatment did better than patients who had medications alone, but it didn't seem to do better than patients who were unknowingly just poked with toothpicks.

Finding an answer for back pain is a challenge, and acuputnure does seem to have a role in the treatment of back pain. Patients do better when acupuncture is used compared to those given only medications for back pain. But the exact mechanism by which acuputure helps relieve back pain is unclear.

Related: Back Pain | Alternative Treatments | Chiropractic Treatments

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Cortisone injections are among the most frequently used treatments in orthopedics. Cortisone can be used for a wide range of conditions from knee arthritis, to shoulder bursitis, to tennis elbow. Many patients will tell you about the success they have had with cortisone injections, but what if your pain increases?

There is a common side-effect of cortisone shots called a cortisone flare. A cortisone flare can cause an increase in symptoms in the first 24-48 hours after a cortisone injection. The good news is that there are treatments for a cortisone flare, and the symptoms usually subside within a few days.

Related: Side-Effects of Cortisone Shots | How many cortisone injections can you have?

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According to the recently published guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), glucosamine and chondroitin should not be prescribed for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are nutritional supplements that are sold over-the-counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and health food stores. The supplements have been thought to help stimulate cartilage healing and repair in patients with osteoarthritis.

The recommendations from the AAOS cite six randomized clinical trials that have investigated the use of these nutritional supplements, either alone or combined, that found no significant clinical benefit when compared to placebo. While no harmful effects of these nutritional supplements were noted, the AAOS advises that these supplements not be used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Sources:

Richmond, JC "AAOS adopts clinical practice guidelines on OA Knee" American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2009.

Trigger finger is a common problem that causes pain and snapping of the tendons in the fingers.

The name trigger finger is from the symptom of triggering or snapping. This occurs when relaxing a fist, the affected trigger finger remains flexed. When enough force has been gathered, the trigger finger will suddenly extend, like pulling a trigger.

The most common treatment of trigger finger is with injection of cortisone. If the problem does not resolve, a surgery to release the tendon may be necessary.

Related: What is a trigger finger? | How many injections of cortisone can I have?