06:01 PM PST on Monday, December 20, 2004

From MIMI JUNG / KING 5 News

Three years ago, the arthritis in Helene Brightwell's knees was so severe every step was painful and she thought surgery was inevitable. Then she joined a clinical trial at the University of Maryland, testing whether acupuncture, combined with her anti-inflammatory medication would help her pain.

"Now it's just been so much better. I can walk, no problems with walking, stairs are a whole lot better too," she said.

Acupuncture has been around for more than 2,000 years. Scientists say the needles stimulate the nervous system to release specific chemicals into the body.

"Neurochemicals, things like endorphins and dinorphins, are able to decrease pain and decrease inflammation," said Dr. Brian Berman.

In the 26-week University of Maryland study, 570 patients got either instructions about ways to manage osteoarthritis, acupuncture or treatments that simulated acupuncture but purposely did nothing.

"What we found was that for function, physical function, patients improved compared to the sham acupuncture from eight weeks on," said Dr. Berman.

Because of the study, the National Institutes of Health is now saying acupuncture, combined with traditional treatments, can improve the quality of life for some people with arthritis.