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[Acupuncture in fibromyalgia: a randomized, controlled study addressing the immediate pain response]
Rebecca Saray Marchesini Stival1, Patrícia Rechetello Cavalheiro1, Camila Edith Stachera Stasiak1
1Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brasil.
Revista Brasileira De Reumatologia
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Acupuncture significantly reduces pain in fibromyalgia patients. This study found a large effect size, indicating acupuncture
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Pain Management
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain.
- Current treatments offer limited relief for many patients.
- Acupuncture is a traditional therapy with potential analgesic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for fibromyalgia pain.
- To evaluate the immediate impact of acupuncture on pain levels using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted with 36 fibromyalgia patients.
- Participants received either traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture or sham acupuncture (placebo).
- Pain was measured using the VAS before and immediately after the procedure.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture treatment resulted in a significant reduction in VAS scores (-4.36±3.23, P=0.0001).
- The placebo group showed a smaller reduction in VAS scores (-1.70±1.55, P=0.06).
- The difference in pain reduction between groups favored acupuncture (P=0.005) with a large effect size (d=1.7).
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture demonstrates efficacy in providing immediate pain relief for fibromyalgia patients.
- The study highlights a substantial effect size, supporting acupuncture as a viable treatment option.
