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Sharif S, Jazaib Ali MY, Kirazlı Y, Vlok I, Zygourakis C, Zileli M. Acute back pain: The role of medication, physical medicine and rehabilitation: WFNS spine committee recommendations. World Neurosurg X 2024; 23:100273. [PMID: 38807862 PMCID: PMC11130729 DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To formulate the most current, evidence-based recommendations for the role of medication, physical medicine, and rehabilitation in the management of acute low back pain lasting <4 weeks. Methods A systematic literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed from 2012 to 2022 using the search terms "acute low back pain," "drugs," "bed rest," "physical medicine," rehabilitation." Standardized screening criteria resulted in a total of 39 articles that were analyzed, including 16 RCTs, 8 prospective studies, 6 retrospective studies, and 9 systematic reviews. This up-to-date information was reviewed and presented at two separate meetings of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Spine Committee. Two rounds of the Delphi method were utilized to vote on the statements and arrive at a positive or negative consensus. Results and conclusion The WFNS Spine Committee finalized twelve recommendation guidelines on the role of medication, physical medicine and rehabilitation in the management of acute LBP. We advocate for a uniform approach to the treatment of these patients, including proper patient education and utilizing drugs with proven efficacy and minimal side effects. First-line pharmacologic agents are acetaminophen and NSAIDs; muscle relaxants can be used for spasms and pain reduction, and opioids should be minimized. Continued activity, rather than bed rest, is recommended, and lumbar spine orthotics may be used to reduce pain and augment functional status. Thermotherapy, cryotherapy, TENs, spinal manipulative therapy, and acupuncture may all be used as adjuncts to improve acute LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Sharif
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Yeşim Kirazlı
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ian Vlok
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Corinna Zygourakis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanko University Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Zileli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
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Wu M, Fan C, Liu H, Chen X, Gao Z, Zhao X, Zhou J, Jiang Z. The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Low Back Pain: An Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:905-923. [PMID: 38790086 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x2450037x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Recommendations on the use of acupuncture in managing low back pain (LBP) vary across different guidelines. The methodological quality of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this topic also demonstrates considerable diversity, potentially leading to biased conclusions. Therefore, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases and conducted an umbrella review. Scrutiny was performed to ascertain whether primary studies within the systematic reviews and meta-analyses adhered to our inclusion criteria, followed by a meticulous reanalysis of pertinent data. Participant numbers, heterogeneity, publication bias, and excessive significance were taken into account when assessing the credibility of the evidence. For robustness, sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method. The results of the umbrella review yielded highly suggestive evidence in favor of the immediate and short-term analgesic effects of acupuncture, with suggestive evidence supporting intermediate-term analgesic effects. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture on disability improvement has demonstrated weak to suggestive evidence. Evidence supporting the enhancement of quality of life by acupuncture is limited. The leave-one-out analysis corroborated the robustness of the meta-analysis, further confirming the credibility of the findings. This umbrella review indicated that the most significant advantage of acupuncture for LBP is its capacity to reduce pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Wu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics & Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Fan
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics & Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
| | - Hong Liu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital, Dongguan 523000, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fuzhou Second General Hospital, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
| | - Xin Zhao
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics & Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
| | - Jianhao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics & Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics & Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, P. R. China
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He J, Tse MMY, Kwok TTO. The effectiveness, acceptability, and sustainability of non-pharmacological interventions for chronic pain management in older adults in mainland China: A systematic review. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 57:123-131. [PMID: 38640646 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness, acceptability, and sustainability of non-pharmacological pain management interventions for older adults in mainland China. MATERIALS AND METHODS Articles searching was conducted across six databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFangdata. Quality appraisal was performed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria, involving 2,197 participants with a mean age of 69.19 years. The participants' ages ranged from 63.85 to 81.75 years. The evaluated non-pharmacological interventions included psychotherapy, acupuncture, exercise, massage, neurotherapy, and multidisciplinary interventions. The overall changes in pain intensity varied from -5.19 to -0.65 on a numeric rating scale ranging from zero to ten. CONCLUSIONS Non-pharmacological interventions proved effective in alleviating pain intensity among older adults in mainland China. The findings suggest that mindfulness, exercise and pain education can be promoted as viable strategies for enhancing the well-being of the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafan He
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong
| | - Mimi Mun Yee Tse
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong.
| | - Tyrone Tai On Kwok
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong
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Zhou T, Salman D, McGregor AH. Recent clinical practice guidelines for the management of low back pain: a global comparison. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:344. [PMID: 38693474 PMCID: PMC11061926 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07468-0] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is a significant health problem worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of 84% in the general adult population. To rationalise the management of LBP, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been issued in various countries around the world. This study aims to identify and compare the recommendations of recent CPGs for the management of LBP across the world. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and major guideline databases were searched from 2017 to 2022 to identify CPGs. CPGs focusing on information regarding the management and/or treatment of non-specific LBP were considered eligible. The quality of included guidelines was evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. RESULTS Our analysis identified a total of 22 CPGs that met the inclusion criteria, and were of middle and high methodological quality as assessed by the AGREE II tool. The guidelines exhibited heterogeneity in their recommendations, particularly in the approach to different stages of LBP. For acute LBP, the guidelines recommended the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), therapeutic exercise, staying active, and spinal manipulation. For subacute LBP, the guidelines recommended the use of NSAIDs, therapeutic exercise, staying active, and spinal manipulation. For chronic LBP, the guidelines recommended therapeutic exercise, the use of NSAIDs, spinal manipulation, and acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS Current CPGs provide recommendations for almost all major aspects of the management of LBP, but there is marked heterogeneity between them. Some recommendations lack clarity and overlap with other treatments within the guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhou
- MSk lab, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, 2nd Floor, Sir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - David Salman
- MSk lab, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, 2nd Floor, Sir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W6 8RP, UK
| | - Alison H McGregor
- MSk lab, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, 2nd Floor, Sir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, UK
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Jamali Dastjerdi M, Azadvari M, Kordafshari G, Zhao BX, Adel-Mehraban MS, Alipour R, Karimi M, Kazemi AH, Sourani A, Vafaie Sefti A. Comparative efficacy of acupuncture, venesection, and physical therapy on chronic low back pain outcomes: a randomized clinical trial. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2729-2738. [PMID: 38694293 PMCID: PMC11060228 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001944] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Chronic low back pain (CLBP) imposes considerable financial and social burden with poor response to medical and surgical treatments. Alternatively, acupuncture and venesection(Fasd) are traditionally used to alleviate nociceptive and musculoskeletal pains. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of acupuncture and venesection on CLBP and patient functionality. Methods The current study was a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial with balanced allocation, conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Medicine, in 2022. One hundred five CLBP patients who had no back pain-attributable structural or major diseases were randomly allocated into three parallel arms and received either physical therapy (PTG), acupuncture (APG), or venesection (VSG). Pain severity and functional aspects were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) during the study. VAS and ODI scores were defined as the primary outcomes. Results Ninety-five patients were reviewed in the final analysis (PTG=33, APG=30, VSG=31). Demographic data showed equal group distribution. Statistical analysis showed all procedures had reduced VAS score immediately after the first session, after the last session, and after follow-up; however, APG and VSG values were significantly lower (P<0.05). Pain reduction results in follow-up period were more sustainable in APG and VSG as compared to PTG (P<0.01). ODI results revealed global improvement after the last session of the treatment in all groups, while APG had more significant results (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, ODI still tended to decrease in VSG, non-significantly increased in APG, and significantly increased in PTG. Only two patients reported fainting after receiving venesection. Conclusion Considering the pain and functional scores, both acupuncture and venesection can reproduce reliable results. Acupuncture and venesection both have sustained effects on pain and daily function of the patients even after treatment termination, while physical therapy had more relapse in pain and functional limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Jamali Dastjerdi
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohaddeseh Azadvari
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Kordafshari
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bai-Xiao Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Adel-Mehraban
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Traditional Persian Medicine and Complementary Medicine (PerCoMed) Student Association, Students’ Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reihane Alipour
- Traditional Persian Medicine and Complementary Medicine (PerCoMed) Student Association, Students’ Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Karimi
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hooman Kazemi
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- International School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Arman Sourani
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Vafaie Sefti
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hübner J, Keinki C, Büntzel J. [Complementary and alternative medicine-An option for chronic pain patients?]. Schmerz 2023; 37:215-227. [PMID: 37154977 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The interest of patients with chronic pain in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is high. The aim of an accompanying complementary therapy is to strengthen the patient's self-efficacy, the ability to make decisions and the autonomy. The best evidence exists for physical activity and a balanced diet. Exercise combinations of strength and endurance as well as targeted strengthening of the muscles in the area of the pain are particularly suitable. When choosing the form of exercise, low-threshold training options are recommended. There is no reliable evidence for kinesio taping, homeopathy, neural therapy and draining procedures. The extensive data on acupuncture must be interpreted taking methodological limitations into account. Heat applications can support multimodal pain therapy. In the case of anti-inflammatory phytotherapeutic agents, there are good rationales from basic research and reliable empirical knowledge regarding the dosage. The evidence on cannabis is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Hübner
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland.
| | - Christian Keinki
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Jens Büntzel
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Krankheiten, Abteilung für Palliativmedizin, Südharzklinikum Nordhausen, Nordhausen, Deutschland
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Araújo LMC, Guimarães-do-Carmo VJ, Andrade TGVS, Claudino SC, Soares DM, Melo RS. Musculoskeletal pain and quality of life in mothers of children with microcephaly, due to congenital Zika virus syndrome. Child Care Health Dev 2023; 49:268-280. [PMID: 35959527 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to observe the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal pain and the quality of life in mothers of children with microcephaly and also to compare the scores of the quality of life domains between mothers who had or did not have musculoskeletal pain. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated mothers of children with a clinical diagnosis of microcephaly, due to congenital Zika virus syndrome, in the state of Pernambuco, northeast region, Brazil. To assess musculoskeletal pain, the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms was used, pain intensity was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale and quality of life by the SF-36 Questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 63 mothers evaluated, 59 (93.7%) reported currently experiencing musculoskeletal pain. The lumbar spine was the body region with the highest prevalence of pain (77.8%), followed by the thoracic spine (57.1%) and cervical spine (50.8%). Pain intensity was higher in the lumbar spine (6.00 ± 0.47), thoracic spine (4.44 ± 0.52) and shoulders (3.81 ± 0.51). The domains that presented the lowest scores in the quality of life assessment were general health status (49.0 ± 3.19), emotional aspects (49.7 ± 5.88) and pain (49.7 ± 2.50). Mothers who had musculoskeletal pain had lower scores in all domains of quality of life assessment compared to mothers who did not have pain, demonstrating significant differences for functional capacity (P = 0.035), physical aspects (P = 0.047) and pain (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was observed in mothers of children with microcephaly, with a higher prevalence and intensity in the lumbar spine. The domains related to physical and emotional health presented the worst scores in the quality of life of the evaluated mothers and the presence of musculoskeletal pain reduced the quality of life of the mothers of children with microcephaly in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Diego Moura Soares
- Department of Dentistry, Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (FPS), Recife, Brazil
| | - Renato S Melo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pediatric Studies, (LEPed), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil
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Feise RJ, Mathieson S, Kessler RS, Witenko C, Zaina F, Brown BT. Benefits and harms of treatments for chronic non-specific low back pain without radiculopathy: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine J 2022; 23:629-641. [PMID: 36400393 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Currently, there are no published studies that compare non-pharmacological, pharmacological and invasive treatments for chronic low back pain in adults and provide summary statistics for benefits and harms. PURPOSE The aim of this review was to compare the benefits and harms of treatments for the management of chronic low back pain without radiculopathy and to report the findings in a format that facilitates direct comparison (Benefit-Harm Scale: level 1 to 7). DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, including trial registries, from electronic databases up to 23rd May 2022. PATIENT SAMPLE Adults with non-specific chronic low back pain, excluding radicular pain in any clinical setting. OUTCOME MEASURES Comparison of pain at immediate-term (≤2 weeks) and short-term (>2 weeks to ≤12 weeks) and serious adverse events using the Benefit-Harm Scale (level 1 to 7). METHODS This was a registered systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Interventions included non-pharmacological (acupuncture, spinal manipulation), pharmacological and invasive treatments compared to placebo. Best evidence criteria was used. Two independent reviewers conducted eligibility assessment, data extraction and quality appraisal. RESULTS The search retrieved 17,362 records. Three studies provided data on the benefits of interventions, and 30 provided data on harms. Studies included interventions of acupuncture (n=8); manipulation (n=2); pharmacological therapies (n=9), including NSAIDs and opioid analgesics; surgery (n=8); and epidural corticosteroid injections (n=3). Acupuncture (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.51, 95%CI -0.88 to -0.14, n=1 trial, moderate quality of evidence, benefit rating of 3) and manipulation (SMD -0.39, 95%CI -0.56 to -0.21, n=2 trials, moderate quality of evidence, benefit rating of 5) were effective in reducing pain intensity compared to sham. The benefit of the other interventions was scored as uncertain due to not being effective, statistical heterogeneity preventing pooling of effect sizes, or the absence of relevant trials. The harms level warnings were at the lowest (eg, indicating rarer risk of events) for acupuncture, spinal manipulation, NSAIDs, combination ingredient opioids, and steroid injections, while they were higher for single ingredient opioid analgesics (level 4) and surgery (level 6). CONCLUSIONS There is uncertainty about the benefits and harms of all the interventions reviewed due to the lack of trials conducted in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain without radiculopathy. From the limited trials conducted, non-pharmacological interventions of acupuncture and spinal manipulation provide safer benefits than pharmacological or invasive interventions. However, more research is needed. There were high harms ratings for opioids and surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Feise
- Institute of Evidence-Based Chiropractic, 7047 E Greenway Pkwy Suite 250, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, USA.
| | - Stephanie Mathieson
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Rodger S Kessler
- University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Corey Witenko
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fabio Zaina
- ISICO (Italian Scientifi Spine Institute), Via Roberto Bellarmino 13/1, Milan, 20141, Italy
| | - Benjamin T Brown
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park NSW 2109, Australia
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Acupuncture in chronic aspecific low back pain: a Bayesian network meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:319. [PMID: 35725480 PMCID: PMC9208133 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This Bayesian network meta-analysis investigated the available randomized control trials (RCTs) to point out which acupuncture protocol is the most effective for chronic aspecific low back pain (LBP). Efficacy was measured in terms of pain (Visual Analogic Scale, VAS) and disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, RMQ), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Methods PubMed, Google scholar, Embase, and Scopus were accessed in March 2022. All the RCTs comparing two or more acupuncture modalities for aspecific chronic LBP were accessed. Only studies which investigated the efficacy of acupuncture on patients with symptoms lasting a minimum of 1.5 months, or with at least three episodes in the previous 12 months, were considered eligible. The Review Manager Software (The Nordic Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen) was used for the methodological quality assessment. The STATA Software/MP, Version 14.1 (StataCorporation, College Station, Texas, USA), was used for the statistical analyses. The NMA was performed through the STATA routine for Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model analysis. Results Data from 44 RCTs (8338 procedures) were retrieved. 56% of patients were women. The mean age of the patients was 48 ± 10.6 years. The mean BMI was 26.3 ± 2.2 kg/m2. The individual group (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.02, 7.98) and the standard combined with TENS (95% CI 2.03, 7.97) demonstrated the highest improvement of the RMQ. The VAS score was lower in the standard combined with TENS group (95% CI 3.28, 4.56). Considering the standard acupuncture group, different studies used similar protocols and acupuncture points and the results could thus be compared. The equation for global linearity did not find any statistically significant inconsistency in any of the network comparison. Conclusion Verum acupuncture is more effective than sham treatment for the non-pharmacological management of LBP. Among the verum protocols, individualized acupuncture and standard acupuncture with TENS were the protocols that resulted in the highest improvement in pain and quality of life. Level of Evidence Level I, Bayesian network meta-analysis of RCTs.
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Nielsen A, Dusek J, Taylor-Swanson L, Tick H. Acupuncture therapy as an Evidence-Based Nonpharmacologic Strategy for Comprehensive Acute Pain Care: the Academic Consortium Pain Task Force White Paper Update. PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 23:1582-1612. [PMID: 35380733 PMCID: PMC9434305 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background A crisis in pain management persists, as does the epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, addiction, and diversion. Pain medicine is meeting these challenges by returning to its origins: the Bonica model of multidisciplinary pain care. The 2018 Academic Consortium White Paper detailed the historical context and magnitude of the pain crisis and the evidence base for nonpharmacologic strategies. More than 50% of chronic opioid use begins in the acute pain care setting. Acupuncture may be able to reduce this risk. Objective This article updates the evidence base for acupuncture therapy for acute pain with a review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on postsurgical/perioperative pain with opioid sparing and acute nonsurgical/trauma pain, including acute pain in the emergency department. Methods To update reviews cited in the 2018 White Paper, electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for “acupuncture” and “acupuncture therapy” and “acute pain,” “surgery,” “peri-operative,” “trauma,” “emergency department,” “urgent care,” “review(s) ,” “systematic review,” “meta-analysis,” with additional manual review of titles, links, and reference lists. Results There are 22 systematic reviews, 17 with meta-analyses of acupuncture in acute pain settings, and a review for acute pain in the intensive care unit. There are additional studies of acupuncture in acute pain settings. Conclusion The majority of reviews found acupuncture therapy to be an efficacious strategy for acute pain, with potential to avoid or reduce opioid reliance. Future multicenter trials are needed to clarify the dosage and generalizability of acupuncture for acute pain in the emergency department. With an extremely low risk profile, acupuncture therapy is an important strategy in comprehensive acute pain care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Nielsen
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jeffrey Dusek
- University Hospitals, Connor Whole Health, Cleveland Medical Center; Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health; Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Heather Tick
- Department of Family Medicine, and Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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11
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Asano H, Plonka D, Weeger J. Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Med Acupunct 2022; 34:96-106. [PMID: 35509875 PMCID: PMC9057891 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2021.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunct to standard therapy in the management of nonspecific chronic low back pain (NScLBP), compared with standard therapy alone. Methods A systematic literature search of full-text articles of randomized controlled trials in the date range of 2000-2020, utilizing PubMed and EBSCO databases, was performed to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for nonspecific chronic lower back pain. The outcomes of interest were pain intensity and disability. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated using Cochrane risk-of-bias criteria. The studies were combined using meta-analysis when statistical pooling of data was possible. Results This systematic review included 5 studies of which 4 were included in the meta-analysis. Acupuncture as an adjunct to standard therapy had clinically meaningful reduction in self-reported pain at post-treatment (mean difference = -1.04 [95% confidence interval (CI), -1.59 to -0.49], P < 0.001, I 2 = 46.1%) and at intermediate term (mean difference = -0.82 [95% CI, -1.13 to -0.50], P < 0.001, I 2 = 0%), compared with standard care. Levels of disability showed similar clinically meaningful reduction at post-treatment and intermediate term. Conclusion Both the systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that acupuncture as an adjunct to standard therapy is a safe and effective method in reducing pain and disability among adults with NScLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Asano
- Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Derek Plonka
- Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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12
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Hay W, Steinke L, Foster L. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Fam Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-54441-6_143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Skonnord T, Fetveit A, Skjeie H, Brekke M, Grotle M, Klovning A, Aas E. Cost-effectiveness analysis of acupuncture compared with usual care for acute non-specific low back pain: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2021; 40:123-132. [PMID: 34847780 PMCID: PMC8873285 DOI: 10.1177/09645284211055747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the cost-effectiveness of a single treatment session of acupuncture, when applied in addition to usual care for acute low back pain (ALBP). METHODS Secondary analysis of a multicentre randomised controlled trial in Norwegian general practice. In total, 171 participants with ALBP ⩽14 days were randomised to a control group (CG) receiving usual care or to an acupuncture group (AG) receiving one additional session of Western medical acupuncture alongside usual care. Primary outcome measures for this cost-effectiveness analysis were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), health care costs and societal costs at days 28 and 365, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB). The NMB was calculated on the basis of the Norwegian cost-effectiveness threshold of NOK 275,000 (USD 35,628) per QALY gained. Missing data were replaced by multiple chained imputation. RESULTS Eighty-six participants in the CG and 81 in the AG were included in the analysis. We found no QALY gain at day 28. At day 365, the incremental QALY of 0.035 was statistically significant. The differences in health care costs and societal costs were not statistically significant. Three out of four calculations led to negative ICERs (cost saving) and positive NMBs. For the health care perspective at day 365, the ICER was USD -568 per QALY and the NMB was USD 1265, with 95.9% probability of acupuncture being cost-effective. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first cost-effectiveness analysis of acupuncture for ALBP. The findings indicate that acupuncture may be cost-effective from a 1-year perspective, but more studies are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01439412 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Trygve Skonnord
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Fetveit
- General Practice Research Unit (AFE), Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Holgeir Skjeie
- General Practice Research Unit (AFE), Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette Brekke
- General Practice Research Unit (AFE), Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margreth Grotle
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Atle Klovning
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eline Aas
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
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14
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Sheng X, Yue H, Zhang Q, Chen D, Qiu W, Tang J, Fan T, Gu J, Jiang B, Qiu M, Chen L. Efficacy of electroacupuncture in patients with failed back surgery syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:702. [PMID: 34649614 PMCID: PMC8518192 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05652-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent pain following back surgery called failed back surgery syndrome remains a major treatment challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture on relieving back pain in FBSS patients. METHODS/DESIGN This is a randomized, single-blind, single-site, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 144 eligible FBSS patients will be randomly assigned to the electroacupuncture, manual acupuncture, or sham acupuncture group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Each group will receive 2 treatment sessions per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be low back pain intensity based on the 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS). The secondary outcomes include Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and analgesic consumption. All clinical outcomes will be collected at baseline, during the treatment phase (at 8 and 12 weeks), and at the 16-, 24- and 36-week follow-ups. All data will be analyzed based on the intention-to-treat principle and adverse events will be assessed during the trial. DISCUSSION This pilot randomized controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture for treating failed back surgery syndrome. The outcomes will determine whether electroacupuncture is efficacious in relieving low back pain as well as improving the quality of life in failed back surgery syndrome patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040144 . Registered on 22 November 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Sheng
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Hongyu Yue
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Shanghai Xuhui District Xietu Community Health Service Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Deta Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Weidong Qiu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Tianyou Fan
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Jingliang Gu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Bingchen Jiang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Minlei Qiu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China.
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15
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Sudhakaran P. Acupuncture for Low-Back Pain. Med Acupunct 2021; 33:219-225. [PMID: 34239663 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2020.1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-back pain affects 84% of the world's population. At present, no method of treatment can be considered as the method of choice. Acupuncture is effective, scientific, cost-effective, and free from major side-effects. Three illustrative cases, showing the beneficial effects of acupuncture are presented. Attention is drawn to the possible presence of underlying sacroiliac-joint dysfunction, which could masquerade as sciatica, hip pain, and/or groin pain.
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16
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Li J, Zhang Y, Illes P, Tang Y, Rubini P. Increasing Efficiency of Repetitive Electroacupuncture on Purine- and Acid-Induced Pain During a Three-Week Treatment Schedule. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:680198. [PMID: 34040538 PMCID: PMC8141797 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.680198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture (AP) is an important constituent of the therapeutic repertoire of traditional Chinese medicine and has been widely used to alleviate chronic painful conditions all over the world. We studied in rats the efficiency of electroacupuncture (EAP) applied to the Zusanli acupoint (ST36) as an analgesic treatment over a 3-week period of time on purine (α,β-methylene ATP, dibenzoyl-ATP)- and acid (pH 6.0 medium)-induced pain in the rat paw. The two ATP derivatives stimulated P2X3 and P2X7 receptors, respectively, while the slightly acidic medium stimulated the “acid-sensitive ion channel 3” (ASIC3). It was found that the P2X7 receptor and ASIC-mediated pain was counteracted by EAP with greater efficiency at the end than at the beginning of the treatment schedule, while the P2X3 receptor–mediated pain was not. Our findings have important clinical and theoretical consequences, among others, because they are difficult to reconcile with the assumption that AP is primarily due to the release of peripheral and central opioid peptides causing the well-known tolerance to their effects. In consequence, AP is a convenient therapeutic instrument to treat subacute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peter Illes
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine, Chengdu, China.,International Collaborative Center on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yong Tang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine, Chengdu, China.,International Collaborative Center on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Patrizia Rubini
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine, Chengdu, China.,International Collaborative Center on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine, Chengdu, China
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17
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Urits I, Wang JK, Yancey K, Mousa M, Jung JW, Berger AA, Shehata IM, Elhassan A, Kaye AD, Viswanath O. Acupuncture for the Management of Low Back Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2021; 25:2. [PMID: 33443607 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-020-00919-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This evidence-based systematic review will focus on the use of acupuncture and its role in the treatment of low back pain to help better guide physicians in their practice. It will cover the background and the burden of low back pain and present the current options for treatment and weigh the evidence that is available to support acupuncture as a treatment modality for low back pain. RECENT FINDINGS Low back pain (LBP), defined as a disorder of the lumbosacral spine and categorized as acute, subacute, or chronic, can be a debilitating condition for many patients. Chronic LBP is more typically defined by its chronicity with pain persisting > 12 weeks in duration. Conventional treatment for chronic LBP includes both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options. First-line pharmacologic therapy involves the use of NSAIDs, then SNRI/TCA/skeletal muscle relaxants, and antiepileptics. Surgery is usually not recommended for chronic non-specific LBP patients. According to the 2016 CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain and the 2017 American College of Physicians (ACP) clinical practice guidelines for chronic pain, non-pharmacologic interventions, acupuncture can be a first-line treatment for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. Many studies have been done, and most show promising results for acupuncture as an alternative treatment for low back pain. Due to non-standardized methods for acupuncture with many variations, standardization remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Urits
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kway Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kristina Yancey
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Mohammad Mousa
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jai Won Jung
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amnon A Berger
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Amir Elhassan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, CA, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA. .,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA. .,Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Valley Pain Consultants - Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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18
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Fam Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0779-3_143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Yang J, Ganesh R, Wu Q, Li L, Ogletree SP, Del Fabro AS, Wahner-Roedler DL, Xiong D, Bauer BA, Chon TY. Battlefield Acupuncture for Adult Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2020; 49:25-40. [PMID: 33375924 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x21500026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a major public health problem, causing heavy social and economic burdens to patients and society while consuming tremendous medical resources at the same time. Thus, there is a critical need to find low-cost, efficacious, and therapeutic approaches to help manage pain. While acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a promising pain-relieving method, less is known about a specific form of auricular acupuncture known as Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA). The BFA technique involves the sequential placement of semi-permanent, single-use, French ASP[Formula: see text] golden needles to five specific acupoints in one or both ears, where they are left in place for 3-4 days or longer [Niemtzow, R.C., Battlefield acupuncture. Med. Acupunct. 19: 225-228, 2007]. The BFA needles (more accurately described as tiny conical darts) pierce the ear in designated locations in a particular order [Levy, C.E., N. Casler and D.B. FitzGerald. Battlefield acupuncture: an emerging method for easing pain. Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 97: e18-e19, 2018.]. (Figs. 4 and 5) It was developed by Dr. Richard C. Niemtzow in 2001, as a subgroup form of an auricular acupuncture technique based on the somatotopic arrangement of an inverted fetus pattern on the external ear [Romoli, M. Ear acupuncture: historical abstract-differences of ear cartography between the east and the west. Dtsch. Z. Akupunkt. 53: 24-33, 2010.]. Currently, BFA is widely used in the US military, but to our knowledge, there is no review which comprehensively synthesizes the current publications surrounding pain management. This review aims to investigate the effects and safety of BFA in adults with pain. Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English evaluating efficacy and safety of BFA in adults with pain, from database inception to September 6, 2019. The primary outcome was pain intensity change, and the secondary outcome was safety. Nine RCTs were included in this review, and five trials involving 344 participants were analyzed quantitatively. Compared with no intervention, usual care, sham BFA, and delayed BFA interventions, BFA had no significant improvement in the pain intensity felt by adults suffering from pain. Few adverse effects (AEs) were reported with BFA therapy, but they were mild and transitory. BFA is a safe, rapid, and easily learned acupuncture technique, mainly used in acute pain management, but no significant efficacy was found in adult individuals with pain, compared with the control groups. Given the poor methodological quality of the included studies, high-quality RCTs with rigorous evaluation methods are needed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States of America.,Department of Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, Guangdong, Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P. R. China
| | - Ravindra Ganesh
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States of America
| | - Qinglong Wu
- College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Traditional, Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
| | - Langping Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong, University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200020, P. R. China
| | - Sandra P Ogletree
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States of America
| | - Anna S Del Fabro
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States of America
| | | | - Donglin Xiong
- Department of Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, Guangdong, Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, P. R. China
| | - Brent A Bauer
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States of America
| | - Tony Y Chon
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States of America
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20
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Yu H, Wang H, Ma T, Huang A, Lu Z, Zhang X. TCM nonpharmacological interventions for chronic low-back pain: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22547. [PMID: 33019465 PMCID: PMC7535630 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND chronic low back pain (CLBP) are common symptoms bothering people in daily life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nonpharmacological interventions are gaining an increasing popularity for CLBP. Nevertheless, the evidence of efficacy and safety of random controlled trials (RCTs) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of different TCM nonpharmacological therapies by systematic review and network meta-analysis. METHODS According to the strategy, The authors will retrieve a total of 7 electronic databases by September 2020, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMbase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biological Medicine, Chongqing VIP, and Wan-fang databases After a series of screening, 2 researchers will use Aggregate Data Drug Information System and Stata software to analyze the data extracted from the randomized controlled trials of TCM nonpharmacological interventions for CLBP. The primary outcome will be the improvement of Pain intensity and functional status/disability and the secondary outcomes will include lobal improvement, health-related quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, and adverse events. Both classical meta-analysis and network meta-analysis will be implemented to investigate direct and indirect evidences on this topic. The quality of the evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation instrument. RESULTS This study will provide a reliable evidence for the selection of TCM nonpharmacological therapies in the treatment of CLBP. CONCLUSION This study will generate evidence for different TCM nonpharmacological therapies for CLBP and provide a decision-making reference for clinical research. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study does not require ethical approval. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/4H3Y9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine
- Department of Orthopedics
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Ailing Huang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zengpeng Lu
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine
- Department of Orthopedics
| | - Xiaogang Zhang
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine
- Department of Orthopedics
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) attributable to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic low back pain is the most common cause of disability globally, for which no effective remedy exists. Although acupuncture is one of the most popular sensory stimulation therapies and is widely used in numerous pain conditions, its efficacy remains controversial. This review summarizes and expands upon the current research on the therapeutic properties of acupuncture for patients with CMP to better inform clinical decision-making and develop patient-focused treatments. RECENT FINDINGS We examined 16 review articles and 11 randomized controlled trials published in the last 5 years on the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in adults with CMP conditions. The available evidence suggests that acupuncture does have short-term pain relief benefits for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain and is a safe and reasonable referral option. Acupuncture may also have a beneficial role for fibromyalgia. However, the available evidence does not support the use of acupuncture for treating hip osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The majority of studies concluded the superiority of short-term analgesic effects over various controls and suggested that acupuncture may be efficacious for CMP. These reported benefits should be verified in more high-quality randomized controlled trials.
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22
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The role of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2020; 34:603-616. [PMID: 33004170 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture is a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine, in which needles are used to restore the body's internal balance. Recently, there has been growing interest in the use of acupuncture for various pain conditions. Acupuncture's efficacy in five pain conditions-low back pain (LBP), migraines, fibromyalgia, neck pain, and abdominal pain-was evaluated in this evidence-based, comprehensive review. Based on the most recent evidence, migraine and fibromyalgia are two conditions with the most favorable outcomes after acupuncture. At the same time, abdominal pain has the least evidence for the use of acupuncture. Acupuncture is efficacious for reducing pain in patients with LBP, and for short-term pain relief for those with neck pain. Further research needs to be done to evaluate acupuncture's efficacy in these conditions, especially for abdominal pain, as many of the current studies have a risk of bias due to lack of blinding and small sample size.
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23
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Paley CA, Johnson MI. Acupuncture for the Relief of Chronic Pain: A Synthesis of Systematic Reviews. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 56:E6. [PMID: 31878346 PMCID: PMC7023333 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: It is estimated that 28 million people in the UK live with chronic pain. A biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain is recommended which combines pharmacological interventions with behavioural and non-pharmacological treatments. Acupuncture represents one of a number of non-pharmacological interventions for pain. In the current climate of difficult commissioning decisions and constantly changing national guidance, the quest for strong supporting evidence has never been more important. Although hundreds of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses have been conducted, most have been inconclusive, and this has created uncertainty in clinical policy and practice. There is a need to bring all the evidence together for different pain conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesise SRs of RCTs evaluating the clinical efficacy of acupuncture to alleviate chronic pain and to consider the quality and adequacy of the evidence, including RCT design. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases were searched for English language SRs and meta-analyses on acupuncture for chronic pain. The SRs were scrutinised for methodology, risk of bias and judgement of efficacy. Results: A total of 177 reviews of acupuncture from 1989 to 2019 met our eligibility criteria. The majority of SRs found that RCTs of acupuncture had methodological shortcomings, including inadequate statistical power with a high risk of bias. Heterogeneity between RCTs was such that meta-analysis was often inappropriate. Conclusions: The large quantity of RCTs on acupuncture for chronic pain contained within systematic reviews provide evidence that is conflicting and inconclusive, due in part to recurring methodological shortcomings of RCTs. We suggest that an enriched enrolment with randomised withdrawal design may overcome some of these methodological shortcomings. It is essential that the quality of evidence is improved so that healthcare providers and commissioners can make informed choices on the interventions which can legitimately be provided to patients living with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole A. Paley
- Research and Development Dept, Airedale National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Skipton Road, Steeton, Keighley BD20 6TD, UK
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, City Campus, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK;
| | - Mark I. Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, City Campus, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK;
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