12.01.09

Acupressure has better effects than physical therapy in relieving low back pain

Posted in Acupressure, Back Pain at 2:42 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

Methods:
Acupressure or physical therapy for one month (Hsieh et al., 2006).

Clinical trial records:
129 patients with chronic low back pain.
Evaluation:
Standard outcome measures for low back pain after treatment and at six month follow-up, primary outcomes measured using Roland and Morris disability questionnaire.
Comparisons:
- In the acupressure group, the mean total Roland and Morris disability questionnaire score after treatment was significantly lower than in the physical therapy group.
- Compared with physical therapy, acupressure had an 89% reduction in significant disability.
- The improvement in the acupressure group sustained at six month follow-up.
- Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in all domains after treatment and at six month follow-up: the core outcome, pain visual scale, and modified Oswestry disability questionnaire.
Effects:
Acupressure was effective in relieving low back pain regarding disability, pain scores, and functional status. The benefit was remained for six months.

Reference and data source:
Hsieh, L. L., Kuo, C. H., et al. (2006) Treatment of low back pain by acupressure and physical therapy: randomised controlled trial. Bmj 332, 696-700.

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Auricular acupressure relieves low back pain in the elderly

Posted in Acupressure, Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture, Back Pain at 2:23 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

Methods:
Auricular acupressure therapy using Semen Vaccariae or magnetic pellets (Suen et al., 2007).
Semen Vaccariae: a small round seed, with the diameter of each seed about 0.13 cm. Magnetic pellet: an average of –6.58 mT (about 66 Gauss/bead) magnetic flux densities, with a diameter of 0.13 cm.
Protocol:
- Sterilize the auricle of the participant with 75% alcohol before the therapy.
- Apply Semen Vaccariae or magnetic pellets to the most sensitive area of each selected auricular point.
- Detect the sensitive point with an electrical potentiometer to measure auricular electrical resistance.
- Treat both ears alternately.
- Replace Semen Vaccariae/magnetic pellets every 3 days to avoid the possibility of local irritation.
- The full course of the treatment lasted 3 weeks.
7 auricular acupoints:
Shenmen (or Gate of Spirit): The major point for relieving the pain.
Kidney: The kidneys are connected to the low back.
Urinary bladder: To clear and activate the meridians and collaterals at the low back.
Lumbosacral vertebrae, buttock: The most tender points for patients with LBP.
Liver, spleen: To strengthen the tendons and muscles.

Clinical trial records:
60 patients, 60-years old or above, with low back pain (LBP).
Evaluation:
Treatment effects were evaluated with the Chinese Pain Intensity Verbal Rating scale (VRS).
Effects:
Auricular acupressure therapy using magnetic pellets significantly decreased the pain intensity level among the elderly patients with non-specific LBP. The therapeutic effects were sustained during the 2 and 4-week follow-up periods after the therapy.

Reference and data source:
Suen, L. K., Wong, T. K., et al. (2007) Auriculotherapy on low back pain in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract 13, 63-69.

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11.30.09

Collateral meridian acupressure therapy relieves back pain

Posted in Acupressure, Back Pain at 4:58 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

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.

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