This study examined whether or not intensive acupuncture treatment can improve several social and psychological variables for women with chronic pain in the neck and shoulders, and if possible effects are long-lasting. The effects on pain have been reported elsewhere. Twenty-four female office workers who had had neck and shoulder pain for 12±9 years were randomly assigned to a test group or a control group. Acupuncture was applied 10 times during 3 to 4 weeks either at presumed acupuncture points for pain (test group) or at sham points (control group). In addition, acupressure was given to patients between treatments at either real or sham points. Questionnaires for social and psychological variables were completed before each treatment, just after the course and 6 months and 3 years later. The pain-related activity impairment at work was significantly less in the test group than the controls by the end of treatment. Also there were significant differences between the groups for quality of sleep, anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life. At 6 months and 3 years follow-ups the acupuncture group showed further improvements in most variables and was again significantly different from the control group.