Nonspecific low back pain(NLBP) is a heterogeneous disease with no definite pathological anatomical causes. Although acupuncture treatment of NLBP has been included in the international clinical guidelines for low back pain in many countries

the grade strength is still low

and the results of clinical efficacy evaluation are controversial. Moderate evidence from international studies indicates that acupuncture treatment of NLBP has a clear short-term analgesic effect and can improve pain related depression symptoms to a certain extent

but the exploration of efficacy rules is relatively insufficient

and there is no specific operational scheme to guide the acupuncture treatment of NLBP. Domestic clinical studies are quite distinctive in the aspects of dose-effect acupoint selection

characteristic needling methods

and acupuncture apparatuses

but lack of systematic research

and have low quality and weak evidence. In terms of the underlying mechanisms

acupuncture may achieve analgesic effect through anti-inflammation

relieving central sensitization

and improving the damage of local multifidus muscles and bones. However

due to the heterogeneity of NLBP disease

the current elaboration on the mechanism of acupuncture treatment of NLBP may not reach a consensus

and it is still worth further exploration.