I am seeing my doctor for back pain but would like to try acupuncture too. Is it ok to do both?

Acupuncture falls into the alternative or complementary medicine category. Many people rely on acupuncture to help them with various health issues.

For the most part, if you are seeing an acupuncturist who is well versed in the profession, uses sterile needles and technique, there should be no reason not to try this form of treatment if you wish to.

However, that being said, your treating physician or physicians should always be made aware of any additional treatments you are receiving - whether it is by taking products from a naturopath or receiving acupuncture.

Scott Haldeman, DC, MD, PhD, FRCP(C) and Simon Dagenais, DC, PhD. A supermarket approach to the evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain. In The Spine Journal. February 2008. Vol. 8. Issue 1. Pp. 1-7.