ObjectivesAcupuncture is recommended in official UK guidelines for persistent non-specific low back pain and is popular with patients. However, what UK-based acupuncturists actually do in every day clinical practice is poorly documented. We therefore conducted a survey of every-day clinical practice of acupuncture for low back pain in the UK. DesignCross-sectional postal survey. SettingRandom samples of 100 acupuncturists from each of the three main UK societies for acupuncturists were sent questionnaires. Main Outcome MeasuresA questionnaire designed (and pilot-tested) for this study asked about: training and professional identity, current work situation, and typical approach to treating a patient with low back pain. ConclusionsThere is huge variation in how acupuncture is used by UK practitioners to treat people with low back pain. This probably constitutes a difficult situation for patients when selecting an acupuncturist. It may also translate into large variation in clinical outcomes for patients receiving care from different acupuncturists as well as difficulty in developing acupuncture protocols for pragmatic and other trials. .Such diversity reflects the ongoing debate within the acupuncture profession about good practice for common conditions.