COVID-19 UPDATE

Our Clinic is currently open. We are following strict guidelines to protect our patients’ and colleagues’ health and safety. All high-touch areas in the rooms are sanitized with 70% isopropyl alcohol in between treatments. Each room has an UV air filter. Temperature check and use hand-sanitizer upon arrival and before departure. Physician wears face mask at all time. No-touch payment methods are encouraged.

Dr. Tong Delore selected as investigator for NIH acupuncture study

July 24, 2021

I recently received an email from Dr. Andrew Avins, a research scientist from Northern California Kaiser-Permanente and UCSF, to gauge my interest in joining as an independent investigator the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) clinical trial of acupuncture for older adults with chronic low back pain. I researched the eligibility requirements to participate, and I was thrilled that I was a qualified acupuncturist. I gladly accepted his offer, completing several trainings, joining the research team, and I am really looking forward to starting the research.

This name of the study is, “Pragmatic Trial of Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults” aka BackinAction.

Many studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in treating lower back pain; however, there are not enough studies focusing on using acupuncture to treat chronic lower back pain in the older population. As the senior population increases gradually each year, the cost for back pain in the elderly also increases tremendously.

Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the major causes of disability around the world. People over 65 often live with chronic illnesses that require prescription medications, and if they also have chronic lower back pain, the use of common treatments such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], muscle relaxants, and opioids) can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Acupuncture is a treatment modality from ancient China which has been around for over 2000 years. It has been proven to be a very safe and a cost-effective treatment for pain. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a standard course of acupuncture and an enhanced course of acupuncture in treating back-related disability in older adults with chronic low back pain compared to usual care alone.

This BackinAction study is much needed to support the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating pain in the elder population safely and cost-effectively. I am very proud to be part of it and very much looking forward to see the end-result of this work.

My background:

I completed the doctorate degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine (DAOM) at Five Branches University in San Jose. During my academic tenure at the doctorate program, my study focus was to investigate the effects of acupuncture treatments for opioid and alcohol addictions. More research and studies are much needed to support the efficacy of this science in order to share the benefits widely. I am thrilled to be part of this meaningful journey to experience the benefit of acupuncture and help pave the way for our bright future.

Jane Tong Delore, DAOM, L.Ac., QME