Medical Acupuncture最新文献

Objective: This pilot study explored interactions of domains of physical, psychologic, and social factors in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®)-29 system and their dynamic changes during acupuncture treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Materials and methods: PROMIS-29 profile, version 2.1 was applied among participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain, who received acupuncture treatment for 5 weeks. Data from function-oriented and symptom-oriented domains as well as changes in pain intensity were evaluated at weeks 0, 3, and 5, in 9 patients who completed full sessions. Scores of the domains were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis at each timepoint to identify the patterns of interactions of PROMIS domains.

Results: Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the existence of 2 main clusters: one consisting of pain, fatigue, and emotional domains; the other comprising physical function and social domains. The general pattern was stable but interactions were found throughout the treatment. The score for sleep disturbance did not improve but was correlated with different domains at varying stages of treatment.

Conclusions: Interaction between 2 clusters of pain with fatigue and emotional domains; and physical function with social domains showed that acupuncture produces holistic reductions in chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, the limitation of sample size and bias in this pilot study requires future research on the need to adopt an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to the recovery of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, who have dynamic needs.

Objective: Magnetism has been known for >4,000 years. Recently static multipolar magnets have demonstrated analgesic clinical usefulness. Local application of magnets may be beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal pain, particularly when other modalities have failed. A recent series of clinical cases demonstrates how multipolar magnets may be incorporated as an effective adjunctive treatment in an acupuncture clinic.

Materials and methods: PubMed database was searched using the key words: magnets, medical magnets, magnets and pain management, therapeutic magnets, multipolar magnets, and history of magnet therapy. In addition, clinical cases were submitted by 4 different medical acupuncturists as examples of how the use of multipolar magnets is incorporated into an acupuncture clinic.

Results: Over the past 20 years, 143 articles fulfilled the search criteria and unfortunately demonstrated considerable variability in research methodology. Magnetic tapes, needles, and beads of various magnetic strengths constituted the stimulating apparatus with durations ranging from minutes to years. This article highlights 10 cases, 9 of which reflected situations in which the use of 1 or more multipolar magnets provided an enhanced analgesic effect, often when traditional acupuncture had either failed to produce a satisfactory response or when the application of acupuncture needles needed to be limited.

Conclusion: Despite the variability of the literature review, it appears that magnetism is related to pain reduction, and when properly employed, it can be an effective and safe modality as demonstrated by a recent series of cases submitted from the practices of 4 different medical acupuncturists. A clinical trial incorporating the latest technology of multipolar magnets with steep field gradients should be initiated for the more formal investigation of magnet-induced analgesia.

Introduction: Conservative treatment of peripheral nerve injuries is based on physical therapy approaches, including electrostimulation of denervated muscle. Electrostimulation retards denervation atrophy and prolongs the time window for axon reinnervation.

Aim: This article focuses on the potential of electroacupuncture, which combines electrostimulation with acupuncture, in the context of the latest knowledge on the mechanisms of axonal regeneration.

Results and conclusions: The possibilities of influencing the growth rate of the axon itself through neurotrophic factors have primarily been previously proven in rodent models. Electroacupuncture as mini-invasive electrostimulation using acupuncture needles appears to be a promising option for the treatment of peripheral nerve paresis. However, this therapy needs to be evaluated in the context of human medicine.

Substance-use disorders (SUDs) and drug addiction are not only national, but also global health concerns that have worsened during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Acupuncture augments the endogenous opioid system and, therefore, has a theoretical basis as a treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs). The basic science of acupuncture, its clinical research in addiction medicine, and decades of success of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol offer positive findings supporting this protocol's utility for treating SUDs. Considering the mounting opioid/substance-use concerns and deficiencies in SUD treatment availability in the United States, acupuncture can be a safe, feasible treatment option and adjunct in addiction medicine. Furthermore, large governmental agencies are lending support to acupuncture for treating acute and chronic pain, which, in turn, could translate to prevention of SUDs and addictions. This article is a narrative review of the background, the basic science and clinical research, and future direction of acupuncture in addiction medicine.

Background: Vertigo occurs in the balance system, both peripherally and centrally. Vertigo that occurs due to abnormalities in the peripheral balance system is called peripheral vestibular vertigo. Pharmacologic therapies, such as vestibular suppressants, antiemetics, and benzodiazepines, are often used for complaints of spinning dizziness, but these drugs are not indicated for long-term daily use. Acupuncture can be a therapeutic choice for treating vertigo.

Case: Mrs. T.R., age 66, had episodic spinning dizziness for 18 months. Her dizziness recurred 3-4 times per month, and lasted ∼30 minutes to 2 hours. The dizziness was accompanied by cold sweating, but no nausea and vomiting. She also felt fullness in her right ear. A Rinne test was positive in both ears and a Weber test showed lateralization to the left. On a balance examination, the Fukuda stepping test showed 90° to the left. Her Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form (VSS-SF) score was 22. She was diagnosed with vestibular peripheral vertigo (Meniere's disease). Manual acupuncture therapy was performed 1-2 times per week at GV 20 (Baihui), TE 17 (Yifeng), GB 20 (Fengchi), LI 4 (Hegu), and LR 3 (Taichong).

Results: After 6 sessions of acupuncture therapy, this patient no longer experienced spinning dizziness and her score on the VSS-SF questionnaire was reduced to 4.

Conclusions: This case report shows that acupuncture therapy was very helpful for a patient with peripheral vestibular vertigo. Acupuncture can be used to treat patients who have vertigo and contraindications to pharmacologic therapies, and can to reduce side-effects of pharmacologic therapies. Further investigation of acupuncture therapy for peripheral vertigo is warranted.