INTEGRATING ACUPUNCTURE AND LIFESTYLE EDUCATION FOR WOMEN WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A PEDAGOGICAL AND COMMUNITYCENTERED APPROACH

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, deeply affecting
physical functioning, psychological well-being, and social participation. Traditional medical
interventions often emphasise pharmacological management; however, nonpharmacological
interventions such as acupuncture-based rehabilitation and lifestyle modification have shown
considerable promise. This article synthesises contemporary and historical evidence on these
interventions, examines their functional outcomes, and proposes an integrated pedagogical
framework for enhancing adherence, community awareness, and sustainable behaviour change.
By reframing CLBP management through educational and community lenses, this article
suggests that combining multimodal rehabilitation with targeted educational initiatives can
significantly improve functional outcomes and quality of life for women living with CLBP. Gaps
in existing literature are particularly gender specific and comparative studies and context
relevant research in low- and middle-income settings are identified. Implications for educators,
community health practitioners, and policymakers are discussed.