Verum acupuncture is more effective than sham treatment for the non-pharmacological management of chronic low back pain (LBP), concludes a group of European authors. Data from 44 randomised controlled trials (8338 treatments) were analysed in a network meta-analysis, which compared various different acupuncture protocols used to treat LBP. Individualised and standardised acupuncture protocols combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), demonstrated the highest improvement in pain-related disability scores. Standardised acupuncture with TENS resulted in the greatest reduction in pain scores. Verum acupuncture consistently scored better than sham treatment, further supporting the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of chronic LBP.