Acupuncture help people with chronic pain, particularly conditions such as chronic low-back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis-related pain, and some types of headache. Potential benefit: Pain relief can be modest to moderate for some people, and effects may persist beyond the treatment period. How it may work Needling may influence the nervous system and pain-processing pathways, although the exact mechanisms are still being studied. Safety: When performed by a properly trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is generally considered low risk. Temporary soreness, bruising, or minor bleeding can occur. Important: Acupuncture should complement not replace appropriate evaluation and treatment of the underlying cause of chronic pain