Randomized clinical trial of acupuncture for myofascial pain of the jaw muscles.

摘要: Myofascial pain is characterized by localized, hypersensitive spots in palpable taut bands of muscle fibers (myofascial trigger points). These points may be due to overload from trauma or repetitive activities that cause abnormal stress on specific groups. Clinically, patients complain tenderness, headaches, restricted movement, and stiffness weakness.1,2 Acupuncture an increasingly utilized treatment option for myofascial the United States. According 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which included a comprehensive survey complementary alternative medicine use Americans, estimated 3.1 million adults 150,000 children had used acupuncture previous year. Between 2002 NHIS, among increased 0.3% (approximately 1 people). In 1996, States Federal Drug Agency also promoted needles investigational experimental medical device category regular medical-device category, following year Institutes (NIH) consensus statement supported efficacy conditions such as nausea.3 Despite this recognition pain, much evidence its effectiveness comes poorly designed studies with inadequate controls blinding procedures. A variety mechanisms have been proposed explain analgesic effects acupuncture. are based concepts range traditional views center imbalances energy flow (chi) through body, modern Western role activated neural14–17 endogenous opioid systems.18 The involvement classic systems has neuroimaging other performed human animal subjects.19–22 It likely, however, involves strong placebo component.23,24 For example, while manual needle manipulation electroacupuncture at Hegu large intestine 4 (LI4) acupoint produced prominent decreases blood oxygen level dependent signals (BOLD) posterior cingulate, superior temporal gyrus, putamen/insula, so did sham acupuncture.25 As more learnt about physiological basis analgesia,26 it becomes important separated true, treatment-specific effects. The purpose study was evaluate treating symptoms associated jaw muscles. contrast many earlier studies, investigation procedure allowed general acupuncture-specific effects. authors’ underpowered,27 power enhanced increasing sample size. hypothesized would produce significant amount analgesia, even when controlling expectancy procedure.