Background:
The overall incidence of postneuraxial block backache: 9%-50% (Yeh et al., 2009). The incidence of back pain on the third postoperative day after spinal anesthesia: 5.91%-22%.
Methods:
Collateral meridian acupressure therapy (CMAT) manipulates distant collateral meridians for pain relief while avoiding the stimulation of the affected region/meridian (Yeh et al., 2009).
Points used in CMAT:
C-point (the “control point”): “The point that connects a diseased meridian to a distant collateral meridian.”
F-point (the “functional point”): “The acupressure point corresponding to the painful region.” Frequency: 60/min for one minute.
Constant force: 4 dynes/kg.
Pressure: At the C and F-points, to cause mild to moderate achy pain.
Course: Twice per day for three days.
Clinical trial records:
5 patients with postneuraxial block backache after regional anesthesia or analgesia.
Control:
Results from conventional treatments including bed rest, cold/warm packing, physical therapy, and medications with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), strong analgesics, and opioids: the back pain remained, NSAIDs or opioids may have adverse effects.
Effects:
A new acupressure technique, collateral meridian acupressure therapy (CMAT), may be effective to for back pain relief.
Reference and data source:
Yeh, C. C., Wu, C. T., et al. (2009) Collateral meridian acupressure therapy effectively relieves postregional anesthesia/analgesia backache. South Med J 102, 1179-1182.
