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Li T, Yan Q, Huang W. Research trends on acupuncture for neuropathic pain: A bibliometric analysis from 1979 to 2023. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37962. [PMID: 38701301 PMCID: PMC11062671 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture has drawn increasing attention as a complementary and alternative therapy for neuropathic pain (NP). The present study aimed to summarize the current status and research trends on acupuncture for NP over the past several decades. METHODS The publications on acupuncture for NP in the database of Web of Science Core Collection from 1979 to 2023 were searched. VOSviewer (1.6.15) and CiteSpace software (5.5.R2) were applied to identify active authors, journals, countries and institutions, co-cited references and hot keywords. RESULTS A total of 642 publications were finally included, and the quantitative trend of annual publications on acupuncture for NP have shown overall upward from 1979 to 2023. Peoples R China was the most productive and influential country, while Kyung Hee University from South Korea was both the first in publications and citations. Fang JQ ranked the first productive author and Han JS was the first 1 among the co-cited authors. The first productive journal was Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, while the first co-cited journal was Pain. The high-frequency keywords were divided into 9 clusters, and the frontier topic focused on "Chronic pain". CONCLUSION This present study visually showed the research status and trends of acupuncture for NP from 1979 to 2023 on the basis of bibliometric analysis, which may in some way help researcher discovery and explore some new research directions and ideas in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Department of Preventive Treatment of Disease, Wenjiang Area Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qilu Yan
- Hanyuan Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine, Yaan, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Hanyuan Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine, Yaan, China
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Coelho DRA, Gersten M, Jimenez AS, Fregni F, Cassano P, Vieira WF. Treating neuropathic pain and comorbid affective disorders: Preclinical and clinical evidence. Pain Pract 2024. [PMID: 38572653 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropathic pain (NP) significantly impacts quality of life and often coexists with affective disorders such as anxiety and depression. Addressing both NP and its psychiatric manifestations requires a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic options. This study aimed to review the main pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for NP and comorbid affective disorders to describe their mechanisms of action and how they are commonly used in clinical practice. METHODS A review was conducted across five electronic databases, focusing on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for NP and its associated affective disorders. The following combination of MeSH and title/abstract keywords were used: "neuropathic pain," "affective disorders," "depression," "anxiety," "treatment," and "therapy." Both animal and human studies were included to discuss the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of these interventions. RESULTS Pharmacological interventions, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids, modulate neural synaptic transmission to alleviate NP. Topical agents, such as capsaicin, lidocaine patches, and botulinum toxin A, offer localized relief by desensitizing pain pathways. Some of these drugs, especially antidepressants, also treat comorbid affective disorders. Non-pharmacological techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and photobiomodulation therapy, modulate cortical activity and have shown promise for NP and mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS The interconnection between NP and comorbid affective disorders necessitates holistic therapeutic strategies. Some pharmacological treatments can be used for both conditions, and non-pharmacological interventions have emerged as promising complementary approaches. Future research should explore novel molecular pathways to enhance treatment options for these interrelated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Richer Araujo Coelho
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maia Gersten
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Felipe Fregni
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paolo Cassano
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Willians Fernando Vieira
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jeon H, Lee S, Kim SA, Lee U, Lee S. Effect of Korean Medicine Treatment on Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Retrospective Chart Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:256. [PMID: 38275536 PMCID: PMC10815056 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence regarding Korean medicine treatment (KMT) for neuropathic pain is lacking. We aimed to identify the effects of integrative KMT in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). We retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of patients with PHN who received KMT at Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital between August 2021 and July 2022. We evaluated the effects of KMT-comprising acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and moxibustion-on pain intensity using the numerical rating scale (NRS), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression (HADS-D), Daily Sleep Interference Scale (DSIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and EuroQol-5D. Among 53 patients with PHN, 13 were included. The NRS score for worst pain over 1 week decreased from 6.54 ± 0.64 at baseline to 3.85 ± 0.63 at 8 weeks (41% reduction, p < 0.01), while that for average pain over 1 week decreased from 4.93 ± 0.67 at baseline to 3.08 ± 0.46 at 8 weeks (37% reduction, p < 0.01). From baseline to 8 weeks, there were significant reductions in the SF-MPQ, HADS-A, FSS, and EuroQol-5D scores. No adverse events were reported after KMT. Therefore, KMT may be an effective treatment option for patients with PHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoseung Jeon
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea
| | - Suji Lee
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-A Kim
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea
| | - Unhyung Lee
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghoon Lee
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea
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Dan-feng Z, Jian-cheng R, Shu-zhen Z, Kun Z, Hong-zhi Y, Lian-sheng Y, Chun-zhi T. Enhanced acupuncture therapy for radiotherapy-related neuropathic pain in patients with gynecologic cancer: a report of two cases and brief review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1163990. [PMID: 37351267 PMCID: PMC10282125 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1163990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
As radiation therapy is increasingly utilized in the treatment of cancer, neuropathic pain (NP) is a common radiotherapy-related adverse effect and has a significant impact on clinical outcomes negatively. However, despite an improved understanding of neuropathic pain management, pain is often undertreated in patients with cancer. Herein, we reported two cases with radiotherapy-related neuropathic pain (RRNP) who presented a positive reaction to acupuncture. Patient 1 (a 73-year-old woman) with gynecologic cancer complained of burning and electric shock-like pain in the lower limb after radiotherapy. With the accepted combination of acupuncture and drugs, the pain was alleviated completely in 8 weeks. Patient 2 (a 64-year-old woman) accepted acupuncture in the absence of medication because of her inability to tolerate the adverse events of anticonvulsant drugs. She achieved remission of pain 4 weeks later. The results of this study showed that acupuncture might be promising for controlling the RRNP in patients with cancer, especially who were intolerant or unresponsive to medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Dan-feng
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Jian-cheng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, China
| | - Zheng Shu-zhen
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhang Kun
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Hong-zhi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Lian-sheng
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tang Chun-zhi
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Ma X, Chen W, Yang NN, Wang L, Hao XW, Tan CX, Li HP, Liu CZ. Potential mechanisms of acupuncture for neuropathic pain based on somatosensory system. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:940343. [PMID: 36203799 PMCID: PMC9530146 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.940343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, is common and distressing. In view of the high human and economic burden, more effective treatment strategies were urgently needed. Acupuncture has been increasingly used as an adjuvant or complementary therapy for neuropathic pain. Although the therapeutic effects of acupuncture have been demonstrated in various high-quality randomized controlled trials, there is significant heterogeneity in the underlying mechanisms. This review aimed to summarize the potential mechanisms of acupuncture on neuropathic pain based on the somatosensory system, and guided for future both foundational and clinical studies. Here, we argued that acupuncture may have the potential to inhibit neuronal activity caused by neuropathic pain, through reducing the activation of pain-related ion channels and suppressing glial cells (including microglia and astrocytes) to release inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, amongst others. Meanwhile, acupuncture as a non-pharmacologic treatment, may have potential to activate descending pain control system via increasing the level of spinal or brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and opioid peptides. And the types of endogenously opioid peptides was influenced by electroacupuncture-frequency. The cumulative evidence demonstrated that acupuncture provided an alternative or adjunctive therapy for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ma
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Chen
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Na-Na Yang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Wan Hao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Xia Tan
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Ping Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Hong-Ping Li,
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Cun-Zhi Liu,
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Pirvulescu I, Biskis A, Candido KD, Knezevic NN. Overcoming clinical challenges of refractory neuropathic pain. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:595-622. [PMID: 35866187 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2105206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Refractory neuropathic pain (ReNP), and its definition, is widely disputed amongst clinicians due in part to unclear categorical diagnosing guidelines, overall time duration of neuropathic pain, and the exhaustiveness of treatment options. Usually ReNP is defined as chronic, intractable, and unresponsive neuropathic pain that have otherwise been untreatable. AREAS COVERED : In this narrative review, we discuss and summarize the effectiveness of prospective ReNP research conducted over the past 10 years. This research looks at pharmacological and interventional therapies in clinical trial settings. The pharmacological therapies discussed include the use of adjuvant treatments to improve the safety and efficacy of conventional approaches. Different modalities of administration, such as injection therapy and intrathecal drug delivery systems, provide targeted drug delivery. Interventional therapies such as neuromodulation, pulse radiofrequency, and nerve lesioning are more invasive, however, they are increasingly utilized in the field, as reflected in ongoing clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION : Based on the current data from RCTs and systematic reviews, it is clear that single drug therapy cannot be effective and has significant limitations. Transitioning to interventional modalities that showed more promising results sooner rather than later may be even more cost-efficient than attempting different conservative treatments with a high failure rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Pirvulescu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexandras Biskis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.,College of Aviation, Science and Technology, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL, USA
| | - Kenneth D Candido
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
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King H, Forrester M. Electroacupuncture For Alleviation Of Phantom Limb Pain. JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE - CLINICAL COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 4:1000063. [PMID: 34276906 PMCID: PMC8278009 DOI: 10.2340/20030711-1000063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Phantom limb pain is clinically defined as the perception of pain or discomfort in a limb that no longer exists. Most amputees will experience phantom limb pain, which is associated with a low health-related quality of life. Phantom limb pain represents an important challenge in finding an effective therapy. The scientific evidence for best practice is weak, and is characterized by various clinical reports describing the pragmatic use of drugs and interventional techniques. Recent approaches to restore the sensory motor input have shown promise. One such technique is electroacupuncture. We report here a case study of a male in his 30s who sustained severe injuries, including a high transfemoral amputation, as a result of being hit by a car. An electroacupuncture treatment protocol was used. Over the course of 3 months, electroacupuncture alleviated the patient’s phantom limb pain, minimized his use of drugs, and improved his sleep and quality of life. The effect of electroacupuncture treatment lasted for 3–4 months, and successful top-up treatment maintained his pain relief. The results are in line with a study comparing massage and electroacupuncture in patients with spinal cord injury with neurogenic pain; a limited number of patients treated with electroacupuncture were significantly alleviated of their pain for months. This case report suggests that electroacupuncture may be useful in patients with phantom limb pain. LAY ABSTRACT Since phantom limb pain was first described by the French military surgeon Ambroise Pare in the 16th century, the number of studies has increased every year. Although many hypotheses have been proposed regarding the mechanisms of pain and many treatments approaches tried, there is a lack of successful treatments to induce long-term pain relief, improve sleep and quality of life in patients with phantom limb pain. A novel treatment approach used in patients with spinal cord injury pain is electroacupuncture. This case report used a long-term electroacupuncture protocol in a patient with phantom limb pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly King
- Physiotherapy, HK Physio Limited, Sidmouth, UK
| | - Max Forrester
- Medical Acupuncture, Dr Max Forrester Acupuncture, Taunton, UK
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