bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whiplash Injuries
Authors: Baldry Peter 
Published: April 2009

Sites from which whiplash injury pain (acute neck sprain) may arise include myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), facet joints and the intervertebral discs. There are various methods of deactivating MTrPs; that recommended is superficial dry needling. Pain referral patterns from facet joint and MTrP nociceptors are similar, so failure to obtain appreciable pain relief from MTrP deactivation necessitates a diagnostic, fluoroscopically controlled, facet joint block. Disc pain may occur either because of damage to the innervated annulus fibrosus of an intact disc, or because of nerve root pressure when a disc ruptures. Most whiplash patients (75%) become pain free within 3–6 months. The remainder are said to have the late whiplash syndrome. This was formerly thought to be due to neuroticism or compensation seeking avarice, but it is currently considered to have a genuine organic basis. Possible causes include overlooked facet joint damage, undetected disc damage and various self perpetuating MTrP pain persisting mechanisms.
Electroacupuncture Analgesia in Major Abdominal and Pelvic Surgery: A Randomised Study
Authors: Poulain P , Léandri E Pichard , Laplanche A , Montange F , Bouzy J , Truffa-Bachi J 
Published: April 2009

Proponents of acupuncture anaesthesia have tended to look on it as a replacement for conventional anaesthesia. This randomised, controlled trial involving 250 cancer patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery, has aimed to assess the use of electroacupuncture as the sole analgesic, but within a standard anaesthetic. It was found that while there was little difference between the per-operative requirement for anaesthetic drugs, all the non acupuncture group required fentanyl, compared to only 5% of the electroacupuncture group (P<0.001). Time to spontaneous respiration (P<0.02) and extubation (P<0.001) immediately post-operatively was reduced in the acupuncture group. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was used for post-operative pain relief in the acupuncture group, while the control group received non-narcotic analgesics. There was no significant difference in the numbers of patients complaining of pain, but the requirement for additional analgesia was less when TENS was used (P<0.01). There was no difference in the period of post-operative ileus as measured by the return of normal bowel sounds. However the return to normal self caring was significantly improved in the acupuncture group (P<0.02). Both practically and economically this is probably the most important beneficial aspect of electroacupuncture demonstrated by this study.
Local Corticosteroid Injection Therapy
Authors: Bourne I H J 
Published: April 2009

The advent of injectable insoluble corticosteroids in 1952 allowed steroid injected at tender spots to remain long enough to destroy affected tissue and allow regrowth of normal fibres. Injection of small doses of triamcinolone and lignocaine directly into trigger points has proved a success in relieving chronic pain associated with localised fibromyalgic lesions in 70% of the author's personal series of 840 patients. Each steroid injection given in this series has been recorded with a diagram of its exact position. This has shown that recurrence of pain is very rarely associated with recurrence of tenderness at the injected trigger point, and that injection of other tender points nearby is likely to prove effective. Intra-articular corticosteroid injection is reported as providing poor pain relief in arthritic disease except when there is seepage out of the joint space into the synovium and periarticular ligaments, but intra-synovial injection gives consistent local symptomatic relief.
The Cun Measurement System: An Investigation into Its Suitability in Current Practice
Authors: Coyle Meaghan , Aird Mark , Cobbin DM , Zaslawski C 
Published: April 2009

The Chinese anatomical inch (cun) measurement system is an essential component of traditional point location methods used in acupuncture. This study used the cun system to investigate any variation between the traditional measurements and the sample means for selected finger measurements, and for the forearm and lower leg lengths obtained from 50 volunteer subjects randomly selected from staff and students of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, University of Technology, Sydney. Subjects were seated while the finger and arm measurements were recorded, and were standing for leg measurement. Data were converted to ratios for analysis, with the one cun measurement for the thumb designated as the standard. There were significant differences between the traditional measurements and the sample means for all hand and leg measurements in the sample. The results were generally the same for gender and the age groups studied. The authors conclude that the cun measurement system does not provide accurate estimates for contemporary Australian adults with respect to hand and lower leg measurements nor, to a lesser extent, with respect to measurements of the forearm. Consequently, it is recommended that methods of point location that are less reliant on the cun measurements (such as the proportional method) should be used in preference to the cundependent directional method.
Treatment of Hot Flushes in Breast Cancer Patients with Acupuncture
Authors: Tukmachi Emad 
Published: April 2009

A common treatment for post-menopausal hot flushes is to raise oestrogen levels with hormone replacement therapy. However this option is not considered suitable for breast cancer patients with hormone sensitive carcinoma, since an increase in oestrogen is contraindicated. This leaves little available as an effective conventional therapy. There has been some evidence that acupuncture is a suitable treatment for hot flushes, so a series of 22 consecutive breast cancer patients referred by an oncologist for treatment of hot flushes were given a course of classical body acupuncture with two 20–30min treatment sessions per week for up to 7 weeks. The frequency of recorded hot flushes (both day and night) had improved significantly (p<0.001) by the end of treatment. All patients claimed some benefit and 82% had effective relief.
Treatment of Gout with Acupuncture
Authors: Jun Pang , Bo-ling Huang , Yu-shun Li , Yu-yan Zhou , Zhi-yong Han , Richardson Faye 
Published: April 2009

Gout is a disorder of purine metabolism in which a high serum uric acid is found and there is deposit of urate crystals within joints causing exquisite pain and tenderness. The pharmacological treatment relies upon non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the acute stage, and prophylactic drugs in the chronic state to control the level of circulating uric acid. In traditional Chinese medicine an over-rich diet is thought to cause a build-up of damp and heat internally that causes phlegm to stagnate. There is also disturbance of the Spleen and Kidney. Treatment thus involves Spleen and Stomach acupuncture points (SP.3 and 6, and ST.36 and 40) to control heat and damp and reduce phlegm. Other local points are used according to the joint involved. A case history is discussed illustrating the treatment and a series of 10 patients is reported in which there is a 70% success in reducing the chronic level of serum uric acid and the frequency of acute attacks.
The Effect of Acupuncture on the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis - An Open Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Tukmachi Emad , Jubb Ronald , Dempsey Emma , Jones Peter 
Published: April 2009

Background Using an open randomised controlled study, we examined the effectiveness of manual and electroacupuncture on symptom relief for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods Patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee were randomised to one of three treatment groups. Group A had acupuncture alone, group B had acupuncture but continued on their symptomatic medication, and group C used their symptomatic medication for the first five weeks and then had a course of acupuncture added. Patients receiving acupuncture were treated twice weekly over five weeks. Needles were inserted (with manual and electrical stimulation) in acupuncture points for pain and stiffness, selected according to traditional acupuncture theory for treating Bi syndrome. Patients were assessed by a blinded observer before treatment, after five weeks’ treatment and at one month follow up, using a visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario McMaster (WOMAC) questionnaire for osteoarthritis of the knee. Results The 30 patients in our study were well matched for age, body mass index, disease duration, baseline VAS pain score and baseline WOMAC scores. Repeated measure analyses gave a highly significant improvement in pain (VAS) after the courses of acupuncture in groups A (P=0.012) and B (P=0.001); there was no change in group C until after the course of acupuncture, when the improvement was significant (P=0.001). Similarly significant changes were seen with the WOMAC pain and stiffness scores. These benefits were maintained during the one month after the course of acupuncture. Patients’ rating of global assessment was higher than that of the acupuncturist. Conclusion We conclude that manual and electroacupuncture causes a significant improvement in the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, either on its own or as an adjunct therapy, with no loss of benefit after one month.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion as An Adjunctive Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee - a Large Case Series
Authors: Vas Jorge , Perea-Milla Emilio , Méndez Camila 
Published: April 2009

Background In 1997, the first Pain Management Unit, which was set up as part of primary health care within the Andalusian Public Health System, offered acupuncture among other therapies. This observational study was conducted in preparation for a randomised controlled trial. Methods We conducted a descriptive study of patients who had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. The patients received weekly acupuncture treatment, and related techniques, from November 1997 to November 2000. We recorded: socio-demographic data; measures of effectiveness, including intensity and frequency of pain; the daily dose of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication; the degree of incapacity; and sleep disorders caused by pain in the knee. Results The 563 patients who presented were mainly female (88%) with an average age of 65 years (±10.7); the average age of the male patients was 67 years (±11.8). The condition in most patients (95%) was chronic: 54% had the condition for 5-10 years and a further 23% for more than 10 years. Of the total, 85 (15%) abandoned treatment and were excluded from the evaluation, while 75% of the remainder achieved a reduction in pain of 45% or more. This study is intended to form the basis for a subsequent controlled clinical trial of the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Conclusion The degree of pain relief experienced by patients from acupuncture justifies a more rigorous study.
Effect of Intensive Acupuncture on Pain-Related Social and Psychological Variables for Women with Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain – An Rct with Six Month and Three Year Follow Up
Authors: He Dong , Høstmark Arne T , Veiersted Kaj Bo , Medbø Jon Ingulf 
Published: April 2009

Objectives This study examines whether intensive acupuncture treatment can improve several social and psychological variables for women with chronic pain in the neck and shoulders, and whether possible effects are long-lasting. The effects on pain have been reported elsewhere. Methods Twenty-four female office workers (47±9 years old, mean ± SD) who had had neck and shoulder pain for 12±9 years, were randomly assigned to a test group or a control group. Acupuncture was applied 10 times during three to four weeks either at presumed acupuncture points for pain (test group) or at sham points (control group). In addition, acupressure was given to patients between treatments, at either real or sham points. Questionnaires for social and psychological variables were completed before each treatment, just after the course, and six months and three years later. Results The pain-related activity impairment at work was significantly less in the test group than the controls by the end of treatment (P<0.04). Also there were significant differences between the groups for quality of sleep, anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life (P<0.05). At six months and three years follow ups the acupuncture group showed further improvements in most variables and was again significantly different from the control group. Conclusion Intensive acupuncture treatment may improve activity at work and several relevant social and psychological variables for women with chronic pain in the neck and shoulders. The effect may last for at least three years.
A Survey Comparing Tcm Diagnosis, Health Status and Medical Diagnosis in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Coyle Meaghan , Smith Caroline 
Published: April 2009

Introduction For many women, undergoing assisted reproductive technology can be a difficult experience, and can result in changes in physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Recent research has suggested that acupuncture may be helpful for women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. To date, there is no information describing the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes seen in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology, or relationships between TCM and Western medicine diagnoses. Objective To examine the health status of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology from both Western and Chinese medicine perspectives. Methods One hundred and eighty women were included in the study. All underwent a TCM diagnosis, 177 (98.3%) completed the quality of life questionnaire SF36. Information about Western medicine diagnosis was collected from case notes and was available for 176 (97.7%) women. Results Women in the trial reported poorer health on several domains of the SF36 compared with the South Australian population. The most common TCM diagnosis was ‘Kidney Yang deficiency’, diagnosed for 53.9% of patients. A TCM diagnosis of Qi or ‘Blood stagnation’ was associated with poorer quality of life on the mental health, emotional role function and social function domains of the SF36. No associations were found between TCM diagnosis and physical or general health components of the SF36. Conclusions Associations between TCM and reproductive health diagnoses were demonstrated. Emotional health and wellbeing is an important aspect of patient care that needs to be addressed in clinical practice and research studies, as the findings suggest that this aspect of their health is often poorer during assisted reproductive technology.
A Tale of Two Foxes - Case Reports: 1. Radial Nerve Paralysis Treated with Acupuncture in a Wild Fox 2. Acupuncture in a Fox with Aggressive and Obsessive Behaviour
Authors: Lloret Lorena , Hayhoe Simon 
Published: April 2009

Case 1 This is believed to be the first report of acupuncture treatment for traumatic radial nerve paralysis in a wild fox. From the first treatment, improvement in the range of mobility and sensation of the limb was evident. Additionally, the attitude of this wild animal changed from fear and aggression to complete cooperation: he lay peacefully during every treatment in a calm, drowsy state. Case 2 This reports the calming effects of acupuncture on a fox which had been showing aggressive behaviour and obsessive circling following toxoplasma infection.
An Audit of Self Acupuncture for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Teig Silje , Peacock Sue , Stevens Lorraine , Tordoff Kimberley , Maguire Edwina , Watson Paul 
Published: April 2009

Background Acupuncture is increasingly offered as a treatment for chronic pain, but continued treatment is expensive. Self acupuncture might offer a cost effective alternative. The aim of this project was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of self acupuncture in a pain clinic. Methods A retrospective audit was conducted by postal questionnaire of all patients with chronic pain who were taught self acupuncture as a home pain management strategy in the previous three years. The study was conducted by a researcher not involved in the patient's treatment. The patients selected for self acupuncture were those who had responded to acupuncture previously, met certain criteria, and had been taught self acupuncture successfully. Patients were taught self acupuncture using three acupuncture points (LI4, ST44, LR3). Results Of 52 eligible patients (70% female) who were approached, 38 valid questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 73.1%. Of these, 76.3% were female; 86.8% (33) still used self acupuncture and 13.3% (5) had stopped; 86.8% of the patients continued to experience pain reduction with self acupuncture. The reported pain relief gained was 5.7 (SD 2.6) measured on a visual analogue scale, improvement in quality of life was reported by 73.7% and no serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion This audit suggests that self acupuncture is effective for pain relief and improves quality of life in this selected group of patients. Safety can be maintained provided that pre-selection is done with care, and appropriate training is carried out. Self acupuncture has considerable potential to reduce clinic waiting lists and appointment times for patients. Further research is required to determine the cost effectiveness of this approach.
Relief of Low Back Pain Immediately after Acupuncture Treatment – a Randomised, Placebo Controlled Trial
Authors: Inoue Motohiro , Kitakoji Hiroshi , Ishizaki Naoto , Tawa Munenori , Yano Tadashi , Katsumi Yasukazu , Kawakita Kenji 
Published: April 2009

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effect of single acupuncture stimulation to the most painful point in patients with low back pain. Method A randomised, evaluator-blinded, sham controlled clinical trial was conducted in which 31 patients with low back pain were randomly allocated to either an acupuncture group (n=15) or a sham acupuncture group (n=16). Both acupuncture and sham acupuncture were performed at the most painful point on the lower back of the subjects. For the acupuncture group, a stainless steel needle was inserted to a depth of 20mm and manually stimulated (sparrow pecking method) for 20 seconds, while for the sham treatment a guide tube without a needle was placed at the point and tapped on the skin. Changes in low back pain were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Schober test. Participants were also asked if they felt the needling sensation or not. The therapy and the evaluation were independently performed by two different acupuncturists. Results VAS score and the Schober test score showed significant improvement after treatment as compared with the sham group (P=0.02, 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in the needling sensation between the acupuncture and sham group. Conclusion These results suggest that acupuncture at the most painful point gives immediate relief of low back pain.
The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee – a Systematic Review
Authors: White Adrian , Foster Nadine , Cummings Mike , Barlas Panos 
Published: April 2009

Objective To determine the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for pain and function of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods A systematic review of randomised controlled trials was performed, including a meta-analysis which combined the results of trials that used adequate acupuncture treatment and used WOMAC scores to measure the effect. The internal validity (quality) and heterogeneity of studies were taken into account. Results Thirteen studies were available, of which eight, involving 2362 patients, could be combined. For both reduction of pain and improvement of function, acupuncture was significantly superior to sham acupuncture (P<0.05 for all comparisons) in both the short term and the long term. Compared with no additional intervention (usual care), acupuncture was again significantly superior for pain and function. The treatment effects were maintained after taking account of quality and heterogeneity in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion Acupuncture is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Its overall effect size is 0.8, and it can be considered instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for patients whose symptoms are not controlled by education, exercise, weight loss if appropriate and simple analgesics. Further research is necessary into the most efficient way of delivering acupuncture, and its longer term benefits.
Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis – a Randomised Trial Using a Novel Sham
Authors: Manheimer Eric , Lim Byungmook , Lao Lixing , Berman Brian 
Published: April 2009

Background Evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture for reducing the pain and dysfunction of osteoarthritis is equivocal. Objective To determine whether acupuncture provides greater pain relief and improved function compared with sham acupuncture or education in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design Randomised, controlled trial. Setting Two outpatient clinics (an integrative medicine facility and a rheumatology facility) located in academic teaching hospitals and one clinical trials facility. Patients 570 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (mean age [±SD], 65.5 ± 8.4 years). Intervention 23 true acupuncture sessions over 26 weeks. Controls received 6 two-hour sessions over 12 weeks or 23 sham acupuncture sessions over 26 weeks. Measurements Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function scores at 8 and 26 weeks. Secondary outcomes were patient global assessment, 6-minute walk distance, and physical health scores of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results Participants in the true acupuncture group experienced greater improvement in WOMAC function scores than the sham acupuncture group at 8 weeks (mean difference, −2.9 [95% CI, −5.0 to −0.8]; P=0.01) but not in WOMAC pain score (mean difference, −0.5 [CI, −1.2 to 0.2]; P=0.18) or the patient global assessment (mean difference, 0.16 [CI, −0.02 to 0.34]; P> 0.2). At 26 weeks, the true acupuncture group experienced significantly greater improvement than the sham group in the WOMAC function score (mean difference, −2.5 [CI, −4.7 to −0.4]; P=0.01), WOMAC pain score (mean difference, −0.87 [CI, −1.58 to −0.16]; P=0.003), and patient global assessment (mean difference, 0.26 [CI, 0.07 to 0.45]; P=0.02). Limitations At 26 weeks, 43% of the participants in the education group and 25% in each of the true and sham acupuncture groups were not available for analysis. Conclusions Acupuncture seems to provide improvement in function and pain relief as an adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee when compared with credible sham acupuncture and education control groups.