Relationship Between Symptom Distress,Functional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Low Back Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Objective:To explore the relationship between symptomatic functional status and quality of life of patients with low back myofascial pain syndrome(MPS).Methods:From July 2021 to June 2022,106 patients with low back myofascial pain syndrome in the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University were selected as the research subjects.A total of 106 MPS patients were investigated with general information questionnaire,Memory Symptom Assessment Scale(MSAS),Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)and Short Form Questionnaire(SF-36).The relationship between quality of life and symptom distress and dysfunction was observed and analyzed based on symptom distress and dysfunction scores,SF-36 scores,and so on.Results:The total score of MSAS was 1.79±0.91.The overall symptom distress of the patients was moderate.The ODI score was 18.46±5.95.The functional disability of the patients was classified as moderately impaired.The MSAS-PHYS,MSAS-PSYCH,MSAS-GDI three scale scores were 2.14±0.75,1.69±0.88,1.55±0.46,respectively,and the variability of the three scales is relatively large;the dimension scores were significantly lower than those of the conventional scoring models,and P<0.05,indicating a statistical difference;the scores of each dimension of the patient’s quality of life were compared with the scores of symptom distress and functional status.The higher the symptom distress score,the lower the quality of life,with P<0.05,indicating a statistical difference;the higher the score of each dimension of functional status,the better the quality of life,showing a positive correlation,and P<0.05,indicating a statistical difference.Conclusion:MPS patients face a number of physical and psychological symptoms,and their functional status is limited.Nursing staff should implement health education and intervention measures according to the actual situation of the patients,so as to improve the quality of their lives.

Influence of Metabolic Syndrome in Low Back Pain in Benin People

Objective: To determine the frequency and impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with low back pain in rheumatology unit in Benin. Patients and Methods: Analytic cross-sectional study conducted between June and December 2016 in the rheumatology hospital unit of National Hospital University Hubert Koutoukou Maga of Cotonou. 82 patients with mechanical low back pain were selected. The prevalence of MS was defined using the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation 2005. The data were analyzed using epi data and SPSS17.0 software. Results: The mean age was 50.4 ± 14.9 [12 - 90] years. The sex ratio was 0.82. 29.3% patients have met diagnostic criteria for MS. The mean duration of back pain was 40 ± 17.2 [3 - 120] days. Diseases associated with low back pain were as follow: lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration (34.1%), disk herniation (13.4%), facet joint arthrosis (18.3%), degenerative spondylolisthesis (11%), degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (6.1%) and related forms (17.1%). MS observed in 24 patients was characterized by the frequent association of abdominal obesity (24 cases), arterial hypertension (22 cases), HDL hypocholesterolemia (8 cases), hyperglycemia (12 cases) or hypertriglyceridemia (7 cases). The presence of the MS was associated with a decreased response to the medical treatment (p 0.01). Conclusion: The MS is frequent in patients with low back pain in rheumatology unit at Cotonou and influence the treatment response. The management of these patients must be integrated into a multidisciplinary approach including the rheumatologist and nutritionist.

Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome(MPS)is characterized by myofascial trigger points and fascial constrictions.At present,domestic and foreign scholars have not reached a consensus on the etiology and pathogenesis of MPS.Due to the lack of specific laboratory indicators and imaging evidence,there is no unified diagnostic criteria for MPS,making it easy to confuse with other diseases.The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain organized domestic experts to formulate this Chinese Pain Specialist Consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of MPS.This article reviews relevant domestic and foreign literature on the definition,epidemiology,pathogenesis,clinical manifestation,diagnostic criteria and treatments of MPS.The consensus is intended to normalize the diagnosis and treatment of MPS and be used by first-line doctors,including pain physicians to manage patients with MPS.

Short-term effectiveness of high-and low-intensity percutaneous electrolysis in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome:A pilot study

BACKGROUND Unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome(PFPS)is the most frequently diagnosed knee condition in populations aged<50 years old.Although the treatment of myofascial trigger points(MTrPs)is a common and effective tool for reducing pain,previous studies showed no additional benefits compared with placebo in populations with PFPS.Percutaneous electrolysis is a minimally invasive approach frequently used in musculotendinous pathologies which consists of the application of a galvanic current through dry needling(DN).AIM To evaluate changes in sensitivity,knee pain perception and perceived pain during the application of these three invasive techniques.METHODS A triple-blinded,pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted on fifteen patients with unilateral PFPS who were randomized to the high-intensity percutaneous electrolysis(HIPE)experimental group,low-intensity percutaneous electrolysis(LIPE)experimental group or DN active control group.All interventions were conducted in the most active MTrP,in the rectus femoris muscle.The HIPE group received a 660 mA galvanic current for 10 s,the LIPE group 220 mA×30 s and the DN group received no galvanic current.The MTrP and patellar tendon pain pressure thresholds(PPTs)and subjective anterior knee pain perception(SAKPP)were assessed before,after and 7 d after the single intervention.In addition,perceived pain during the intervention was also assessed.RESULTS Both groups were comparable at baseline as no significant differences were found for age,height,weight,body mass index,PPTs or SAKPP.No adverse events were reported during or after the interventions.A significant decrease in SAKPP(both HIPE and LIPE,P<0.01)and increased patellar tendon PPT(all,P<0.001)were found,with no differences between the groups(VAS:F=0.30;η2=0.05;P>0.05;tendon PPT immediate effects:F=0.15;η2=0.02;P>0.05 and tendon PPT 7-d effects:F=0.67;η2=0.10;P>0.05).A significant PPT increase in rectus femoris MTrP was found at follow-up in both the HIPE and LIPE groups(both,P<0.001)with no differences between the groups(immediate effects:F=1.55;η2=0.20;P>0.05 and 7-d effects:F=0.71;η2=0.10;P>0.05).Both HIPE and LIPE interventions were considered less painful compared with DN(F=8.52;η2=0.587;P<0.01).CONCLUSION HIPE and LIPE induce PPT changes in MTrPs and patellar tendon and improvements in SAKPP,and seem to produce less pain during the intervention compared with DN.

The Anatomy of Dorsal Ramus Nerves and Its Implications in Lower Back Pain

This article reviews the relationship between the spinal dorsal ramus system and low back pain, including the anatomy, clinical findings, pathogenesis and treatment of low back pain mediated by spinal dorsal ramus and zygapophysial (facet) joint syndrome. Each spinal dorsal ramus arises from the spinal nerve and then divides into a medial and lateral branch. The medial branch supplies the tissues from the midline to the zygapophysial joint line and innervates two to three adjacent zygapophysial joints and their related soft tissues. The lateral branch innervates the tissues lateral to the zygapophysial joint line. The clinical pain presentations follow these anatomic distributions, which can be used for localizing the involved dorsal ramus. The diagnosis can be confirmed by performing a single dorsal ramus block that results in relief of pain and muscle spasm. Etiologically, any factor that stimulates the spinal dorsal ramus can cause low back pain, which is distinct from zygapophysial joint syndrome. Clinically, L1 and L2 are the most common sites of dorsal rami involvement. Treatment includes spinal dorsal ramus injection therapy and percutaneous neurotomy. Summarily, irritation of the spinal dorsal ramus system is a potential source of low back pain. Based on the anatomy and clinical presentation, the involved spinal dorsal ramus can be localized and treated.

Instrumented assisted soft tissue mobilization vs extracorporeal shock wave therapy in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Active myofascial trigger points(TrPs)often occur in the upper region of the upper trapezius(UT)muscle.These TrPs can be a significant source of neck,shoulder,and upper back pain and headaches.These TrPs and their related pain and disability can adversely affect an individual’s everyday routine functioning,work-related productivity,and general quality of life.AIM To investigate the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization(IASTM)vs extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)on the TrPs of the UT muscle.METHODS A randomized,single-blind,comparative clinical study was conducted at the Medical Center of the Egyptian Railway Station in Cairo.Forty patients(28 females and 12 males),aged between 20-years-old and 40-years-old,with active myofascial TrPs in the UT muscle were randomly assigned to two equal groups(A and B).Group A received IASTM,while group B received ESWT.Each group was treated twice weekly for 2 weeks.Both groups received muscle energy technique for the UT muscle.Patients were evaluated twice(pre-and posttreatment)for pain intensity using the visual analogue scale and for pain pressure threshold(PPT)using a pressure algometer.RESULTS Comparing the pre-and post-treatment mean values for all variables for group A,there were significant differences in pain intensity for TrP1 and TrP2(P=0.0001)and PPT for TrP1(P=0.0002)and TrP2(P=0.0001).Also,for group B,there were significant differences between the pre-and post-treatment pain intensity for TrP1 and TrP2 and PPT for TrP1 and TrP2(P=0.0001).There were no significant differences between the two groups in the post-treatment mean values of pain intensity for TrP1(P=0.9)and TrP2(P=0.76)and PPT for TrP1(P=0.09)and for TrP2(P=0.91).CONCLUSION IASTM and ESWT are effective methods for improving pain and PPT in patients with UT muscle TrPs.There is no significant difference between either treatment method.

Clinical efficacy of electromagnetic field therapy combined with traditional Chinese pain-reducing paste in myofascial pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF)therapy is widely used to treat myofascial pain syndrome(MPS).Damp-clearing and pain-reducing paste(DPP)comprises medical herbs and has been a traditional method of reducing myofascial pain in China for a long time,and it is usually administered with heating.However,the synergistic effect of PEMF therapy on heating-DPP in patients with MPS is unclear.AIM To investigate the synergistic effect of PEMF therapy plus heating-DPP in lumbar MPS.METHODS This double-blind,randomized,placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 120 patients with lumbar MPS who were randomly divided into an experimental group(EG,n=60)and a control group(CG,n=60).Patients in both groups were treated with heating-DPP combined with PEMF therapy;however,the electromagnetic function of the therapeutic apparatus used in the CG was disabled.Each treatment lasted for 20 min and was applied five times a week for two weeks.The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire was applied at five time points:pretest,end of the first and second weeks of treatment,and end of the first and fourth week after completing treatment.Visual analog scale(VAS),present pain intensity index(PPI),and pain rating index(PRI;total,affective pain,and sensory pain scores)scores were then analyzed.RESULTS Compared with the CG,the VAS,PPI and PRI scores(total,affective pain and sensory pain scores)in the EG were significantly lower after treatment and during follow-up.CONCLUSION PEMF therapy combined with heating-DPP showed better efficacy than heating-DPP alone in reducing the overall intensity of pain and sensory and affective pain.

Updates on therapies for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Prostatitis comprises of a group of syndromes that affect almost 50% of men at least once in their lifetime and makeup the majority of visits to the Urology Clinics.After much debate, it has been divided into four distinct categories by National Institutes of Health namely(1) acute bacterial prostatitis;(2) chronic bacterial prostatitis;(3) chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CP/CPPS) which is further divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory CP/CPPS; and(4)asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. CP/CPPS has been a cause of great concern for both patients and physicians because of the lack of presence of thoroughinformation about the etiological factors along with the difficult-to-treat nature of the syndrome. For the presented manuscript an extensive search on PubM ed was conducted for CP/CPPS aimed to present an updated review on the evaluation and treatment options available for patients with CP/CPPS. Several diagnostic criteria's have been established to diagnose CP/CPPS, with prostatic/pelvic pain for at least 3 mo being the major classifying symptom along with the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms and/or ejaculatory pain. Diagnostic tests can help differentiate CP/CPPS from other syndromes that come under the heading of prostatitis by ruling out active urinary tract infection and/or prostatic infection with uropathogen by performing urine cultures, Meares-Stamey Four Glass Test, Preand Post-Massage Two Glass Test. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is confirmed through prostate biopsy done for elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels or abnormal digital rectal examination. Researchers have been unable to link a single etiological factor to the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS, instead a cluster of potential etiologies including atypical bacterial or nanobacterial infection, autoimmunity, neurological dysfunction and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction are most commonly implicated. Initially monotherapy with anti-biotics and alpha adrenergic-blockers can be tried, but its success has only been observed in treatment nave population. Other pharmacotherapies including phytotherapy, neuromodulatory drugs and anti-inflammatories achieved limited success in trials. Complementary and interventional therapies including acupuncture, myofascial trigger point release and pelvic floor biofeedback have been employed. This review points towards the fact that treatment should be tailored individually for patients based on their symptoms. Patients can be stratified phenotypically based on the UPOINT system constituting of Urinary, Psychosocial, Organ-specific, Infectious, Neurologic/Systemic and symptoms of muscular Tenderness and the treatment algorithm should be proposed accordingly. Treatment of CP/CPPS should be aimed towards treating local aswell as central factors causing the symptoms. Surgical intervention can cause significant morbidity and should only be reserved for treatment-refractory patients that have previously failed to respond to multiple drug therapies.

THE THIRD LUMBAR TRANSVERSE PROCESS SYNDROME TREATED BY ELECTROACUPUNCTURE AT HUATUOJIAJI POINTS

32 cases of the third lumbar transverse process syndrome were treated mainly byelectroacupuncture at Huatuojiaji points of the first and second lumbar vertebrae, andanother 30 cases of the syndrome by conventional acupuncture as the controls. The resultsshowed that treatment by electroacupuncture at Huatuojiaji points was superior inanalgesic effect and clinical total effective rate to that by conventional acupuncture. It isconsidered that the mechanism of treatment by electroacupuncture at Huatuojiaji pointsis related to the trunk of posterior ramus of the spinal nerve where the points are located.

滞动针干预“激痛点”对肌筋膜疼痛综合征模型大鼠中枢镇痛的作用机制

背景:滞动针治疗肌筋膜疼痛综合征的镇痛效果显著,但镇痛机制尚不明确。目的:探索滞动针干预激痛点缓解肌筋膜疼痛综合征疼痛的作用机制。方法:按照随机数字表法将54只SD大鼠随机分为空白组(n=16)和造模组(n=38),造模组采用“打击结合离心运动”方式制备左侧股内侧肌筋膜疼痛综合征模型,造模12周后随机挑选6只验证造模成功,将剩余32只造模大鼠随机分为模型组(n=16)与滞动针组(n=16),使用滞动针对滞动针组大鼠左侧股内侧肌局部激痛点进行干预治疗,2次/周,治疗4周。造模前后及治疗后进行左足机械缩足阈值测定;治疗后第4周,苏木精-伊红染色观察大鼠左侧股内侧肌肌肉组织形态学变化,ELISA法检测血清和中脑导水管周围灰质中P物质、β-内啡肽水平,免疫组化检测中脑导水管周围灰质中小胶质细胞标志物(Iba-1)和c-fos阳性表达,Western Blot检测中脑导水管周围灰质脑源性神经营养因子蛋白表达。结果与结论:①与空白组比较,造模后模型组、滞动针组大鼠机械缩足阈值降低(P<0.05);治疗4周后,滞动针组大鼠机械缩足阈值高于模型组(P<0.05);②苏木精-伊红染色结果显示,模型组肌纤维排列紊乱、粗细不等,肌细胞增大并出现核内移现象,细胞内出现圆形挛缩结节以及紧张带;滞动针组肌纤维排列整齐,肌细胞多呈角状,细胞内偶见挛缩结节;③与空白组比较,模型组血清中P物质水平升高(P<0.05),血清中β-内啡肽及脑中P物质、β-内啡肽水平均降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,滞动针组血清中P物质水平降低(P<0.05),血清中β-内啡肽及脑中P物质、β-内啡肽水平均升高(P<0.05);④与空白组比较,模型组c-fos、Iba-1阳性表达及脑源性神经营养因子蛋白均升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,滞动针组c-fos阳性表达升高(P<0.05),Iba-1阳性表达及脑源性神经营养因子蛋白均降低(P<0.05);(5)结果表明,滞动针可能通过抑制中脑导水管周围灰质小胶质细胞的活性、下调脑源性神经营养因子蛋白表达间接促进小胶质细胞向M2表型极化释放β-内啡肽、增加c-fos神经元兴奋性,从而降低中枢致敏程度,有效缓解肌筋膜疼痛综合征疼痛的症状。

基于改良UPOINT(S)系统的个体化治疗对CP/CPPS合并SD患者的疗效分析

目的基于改良UPOINT(S)临床表现分型系统,对慢性前列腺炎/慢性盆腔疼痛综合征(CP/CPPS)合并以勃起功能障碍(ED)、早泄(PE)为代表的性功能障碍(SD)患者采用以临床症状为导向的标准化诊断和个体化治疗,验证其临床疗效,并为选择临床治疗方案提供依据。方法选取2018年1月至2021年12月中国人民解放军联勤保障部队第九四○医院门诊治疗的160例CP/CPPS合并以ED和/或PE为代表的SD患者作为研究对象,随机分为常规药物治疗的对照组(n=53)、基于传统UPOINT临床表现分型系统指导治疗的传统组(n=49)和基于改良UPOINT(S)临床表现分型系统指导治疗的改良组(n=58)。根据各组治疗前后美国国立卫生研究院慢性前列腺炎症状指数(NIH-CPSI)评分、最大尿流率(Qmax)、视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评分、国际勃起功能指数5(IIEF-5)评分、中国早泄患者性功能评分表(C-ISFPE)评分、前列腺液中白细胞(EPS-WBC)计数的变化,评价三组临床疗效差异。结果治疗前三组临床资料差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗后,与对照组比较,传统组和改良组在所有指标上均改善显著,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);与传统组比较,改良组在治疗ED[IIEF-5评分(22.0±1.2)分vs.(19.8±2.0)分,P=0.006]和PE[C-ISFPE评分(25.5±1.8)分vs.(19.5±2.2)分,P=0.005]方面改善更加显著,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论基于改良UPOINT(S)临床表现分型系统指导的个体化治疗,可显著改善CP/CPPS合并SD患者的性功能异常状况,相较于常规治疗和基于传统UPOINT临床表现分型系统指导治疗的疗效更好。

Effect of bloodletting therapy at local myofascial trigger points and acupuncture at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points on upper back myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE： To observe the clinical efficacy of bloodletting therapy and acupuncture at Jiaji points for treating upper back myofascial pain syndrome （MPS）, and compare this with lidocaine block therapy. METHODS： A total of 66 were randomly assigned upper back MPS patients to either the treatment group or the control group in a 1 ： 1 ratio. The treatment group （n = 33） were treated with bloodletting therapy at local myofascial trigger points and acupuncture at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points; one treatment course consisted of five, single 20-min-treatments with a 2-day break between each treatment. The control group （n = 33） were treated with a lidocaine block at trigger points; one treatment course consisted of five sessions of lidocaine block therapy with a 2-day break between each session. The simplified McGill Scale （SF-MPQ） and tenderness threshold determination were used to assess pain before and after a course of treatment. RESULTS： After the third and fifth treatment, the SF-MPQ values were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01） and the tenderness thresholds were significantly increased （P 〈 0.01） in both groups compared with before treatment. There were no significant differences in pain assessments between the two groups after three and five treatments （P 〉 0.05）. There were five cases with minor adverse reactions reported in the control patients, while no adverse reactions were reported in the treatment group. CONCLUSION： Bloodletting therapy at local myo- fascial trigger points and acupuncture at Jiaji points was effective in treating upper back MPS. Clinically, bloodletting and acupuncture therapy had the same efficacy as the lidocaine block therapy, with fewer adverse reactions.

Effect of miniscalpel-needle on relieving the pain of myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of miniscalpel-needle(MSN) on reducing the pain of myofascial pain syndrome(MPS).METHODS: We reviewed the available literatures inception up to February 2014 using Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and Wanfang Database.RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials were finally identified. The main controls involved acupuncture, medications, injection, massage and cupping. We found that all of the studies agreed on the potential benefit of MSN as a strategy for MPS and the superiority compared to the controls, however,randomized methods applied in most of the trials could be criticized for their high or unclear risk of bias. Further research is also needed to clarify questions around the appropriate frequency and number of treatment sessions of MSN.CONCLUSION: This review shows that MSN might have the effect on MPS, even though there were some limitations in the studies included in the review. Studies with robust methodology are warranted to further test its pain-relieving effect on MPS.

Effectiveness of dry needling on reducing pain intensity in patients with myofascial pain syndrome： a Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the literature about the effectiveness of dry needling(DN) on relieving pain and increasing range of motion(ROM) in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome(MPS).METHODS: Papers published from January 2000 to January 2013 were identified through an electronic search in the databases MEDLINE, Dialnet, Cochrane Library Plus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro) and Spanish Superior Council of Scientific Research(CSIC). The studies included were randomized controlled trials written in English and/or Spanish about the effectiveness of DN on pain and ROM in individuals with MPS.RESULTS: Out of 19 clinical trials that were potentially relevant, a total of 10 were included in the Meta-analysis. Regarding pain intensity reduction when measured before and immediately after the intervention, DN achieved improvement compared with the placebo treatment [d =-0.49; 95% CI(-3.21, 0.42)] and with the control group [d =-9.13;95% CI(- 14.70,- 3.56)]. However, other treatments achieved better results on the same variable compared with DN, considering the measurements for pre-treatment and immediately after [d = 2.54;95% CI(-0.40, 5.48)], as well as the pre-treatment and after 3-4 weeks [d = 4.23; 95% CI(0.78, 7.68)].DN showed a significantly increased ROM when measured before the intervention and immediately after, in comparison with the placebo [d = 2.00;95% CI(1.60, 2.41)]. However, other treatments achieved a significant better result regarding ROM when it was measured before the intervention and immediately after, as compared with DN [d =-1.42;95% CI(-1.84,-0.99)].CONCLUSION: DN was less effective on decreasing pain comparing to the placebo group. Other treatments were more effective than DN on reducing pain after 3-4 weeks. However, on increasing ROM,DN was more effective comparing to that of placebo group, but less than other treatments.

Clinical Study on Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome with Ashi Points

Objective： To investigate the clinical efficacy of Ashi points in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome. Method： A hundred and fifty cases were randomized into a treatment group and a control group by the order of visit. The cases in the treatment group were treated with ＂Stuck Needle＂ method in Ashi points plus tuina manipulations. The cases in the control group were treated with external local application of Votalin. The cases in both groups were treated once a day and 10 times made up one course. Results： Among 90 cases in the treatment group, 18 got clinical recovery, 34 got marked effect, 34 got certain effect, the marked effective rate was 57.8% and the total effective rate was 94.4%; while among 60 cases in the control group, 1 got clinical recovery, 18 got marked effect, 15 got certain effect, the marked effective rate was 31.7% and the total effective rate was 73.3%. Statistical management showed P〈0.01, indicating a significantly better effect in the treatment group. In addition, ＂Stuck Needle＂ method in Ashi points plus tuina manipulations can effectively improve local pain, tenderness, muscle spasm and motion range of joints, and can obtain significantly better effect for muscle spasm and motion range of joints. Conclusion： This therapy is safe, reliable and effective, and therefore worth spreading for clinical application.

Effect and cerebral mechanism of moxibustion at heat-sensitized Yaoyangguan(GV3)in patients with lumbar disc herniation and myofascial pain syndrome by resting-state functionality magnetic resonance imaging:protocol for an observational study

We want to explore the analgesic brain effect of the moxibustion at heat-sensitized Yaoyangguan(GV3)in patients with lumbar disc herniation(LDH)and myofascial pain syndrome(MPS).In an assessor-blinded observational study,we will include 15 LDH and 15 MPS.They will accept same treatment of heat-sensitive moxibustion at Yaoyangguan(GV3).The resting-state functionality magnetic resonance imaging image data of brain activities before and after treatment will be analyzed by mean fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation,regional homogeneity analysis and brain functional connection.We select seed of first sensory cortex,second sensory cortex,insula cortex,periaqueductal gray and anterior cingulate cortex as the regions of interest to analyse the relationship between brain functional connectivity of pain-related networks and clinical data.Our study could disclose key brain targets and central response characteristics of the analgesic brain effect and the brain functional connection of heat-sensitive moxibustion.

Clinical Study on Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy plus Electroacupuncture for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of extracorporeal shock wave plus electroacupuncture(EA) on myofascial pain syndrome(MPS) and to investigate its treatment mechanism. Methods: Ninety cases who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into an EA group, an extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT) group and a combined therapy group, 30 in each group. EA was employed in the EA group, extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the ESWT group and EA plus extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the combined therapy group. The VAS, tenderness threshold and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated after three months of treatment. Results: After 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 3 months of treatment, the VAS scores in all three groups were significantly reduced and the tenderness threshold significantly elevated. The recovery rate and total effective rate were 23.3% and 83.3% respectively in the EA group, versus 40.0% and 90.0% in the ESWT group and 63.3% and 96.7% in the combined therapy group, showing statistical differences(P<0.05). Conclusion: EA combined with EWST works remarkably well for MPS.

Acupuncture for low back pain:a clinical practice guideline from the Hong Kong taskforce of standardized acupuncture practice

OBJECTIVE:To develop a clinical practice guideline to guide the treatment of low back pain by acupuncture.METHODS:An integrative approach of systematic review of literature,clinical evidence classification,expert opinion surveying,and consensus establishing via a Delphi program was utilized during the developing process.Both evidence-based practice standards and the personalized features of acupuncture were taken into considerations.RESULTS:Based on clinical evidence and expert opinions,we developed a clinical practice guideline for the treatment of low back pain with acupuncture.These recommendations have a wide coverage spanning from Western Medicine diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome differentiation,to acupuncture treatment procedures,as well as post treatment care for rehabilitation and follow-ups.The recommendations for acupuncture practice included treatment principles,therapeutic regimens,and operational procedures.The levels of evidence and strength of recommendation were rated for each procedure of practice.CONCLUSION:A clinical practice guideline for acupuncture treating low back pain was developed based on contemporary clinical evidence and experts'consensus to provide best currently agreeable practice guideline for domestic and international stakeholders.

Acupuncture for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Case Series Study

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating chronic non-specific low back pain.Methods: Ten patients with chronic low back pain were selected to receive 9 acupuncture treatments over a three-week period with point selection based on syndrome differentiation in Chinese medicine. The BROM Instrument for assessment of back range of motion; subjective evaluation with Visual Analog Scale of Pain (VASP) ratings, Oswestry Disability ratings, objective measurements including Algometry, and Flexion and Extension ratings to investigate the range of motion were used for comparing the large, medium and small effect sizes of baseline, treatment and follow-up phases.Results: Clinical significance of pain relief was shown in all parameters assessed. A large effect size was detected in VASP, Oswestry and Algometry. A small effect size was demonstrated in Flexion/Extension. Needling over short period time (3 weeks) could relieve the pain, but the muscular-skeletal function measured by BROM persists. To treat patients exclusively by needling for statistical purposes can not be justified, because by merely relieving pain, permanent improvement in function may not be achieved.Conclusion: Acupuncture offers an effective alternative for the clinical management of chronic low back pain, significant improvement in most of the parameters evaluated, but the functional improvement was not as satisfactory as pain relieving. Further study with larger sample size focuses on long-term efficacy and functional improvement for chronic low back pain is recommended.

电针激痛点对肌筋膜疼痛综合征大鼠BDNF、NGF表达的影响

目的探讨电针疗法对肌筋膜疼痛综合征(MPS)大鼠促炎性因子、氧化应激和脊髓神经生长因子(NGF)、脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)的影响。方法24只SPF级SD大鼠随机分为空白组(n=8)、模型组(n=8)、电针组(n=8)。模型组和电针组通过打击结合离心运动方式建立MPS模型,造模后电针组给予电针干预。分别于造模前、造模后及治疗后对3组进行热缩足潜伏期检测;HE染色法观察大鼠肌细胞形态学变化;用ELISA技术检测各组大鼠血清促炎细胞因子白细胞介素-1(IL-1)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和氧化应激指标超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)的水平;Western blot检测大鼠L4~6脊髓NGF及BDNF的蛋白表达水平;实时荧光定量PCR(RT-PCR)检测NGF和BDNF的mRNA表达水平。结果与空白组相比,模型组大鼠热缩足潜伏期时间明显缩短,电针干预后明显延长(P<0.01)。与空白组相比,模型组大鼠出现膨大、圆染的肌细胞,核内移明显,电针干预后肌细胞大小形状规则,较为接近正常组肌组织形态;与空白组相比,模型组大鼠血清促炎性因子IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α水平显著升高,经电针干预后显著降低(P<0.01);与空白组相比,模型组大鼠血清SOD、GSH-px、CAT水平显著降低,MDA水平显著升高(P<0.01);与模型组相比,电针组大鼠血清SOD、GSH-px、CAT水平显著升高,MDA水平显著降低(P<0.01);与空白组相比,模型组大鼠脊髓组织NGF、BDNF的蛋白和mRNA表达水平显著升高;与模型组相比,电针组大鼠脊髓组织NGF、BDNF的蛋白和mRNA表达水平显著降低(P<0.01)。结论电针可以显著降低MPS大鼠的疼痛阈值,具体机制涉及了对促炎性因子和氧化应激的抑制,同时又与降低NGF、BDNF的蛋白和mRNA表达水平有关。