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Spine

EFFECTIVENESS OF A SHORT COURSE OF MANUAL ACUPUNCTURE IN MANAGEMENT OF COMMON SPINAL CONDITIONS

The Society for Back Pain Research (SBPR) Annual General Meeting: ‘Spotlight on sciatica’



Abstract

Introduction

Spinal conditions commonly cause pain and disability. Various non-operative treatments including acupuncture are practiced for these conditions.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in management of common spinal conditions.

Methodology

Between Jan 2011 and Feb 2013, 151 patients who received manual acupuncture in a hospital environment were assessed for pain improvement on Numerical-rating- scale (NRS) of 0–10, overall improvement with Core Outcome Measure Index (COMI) and for satisfaction with the care.

Results

110 had low back pain with and or radicular symptoms, 33 had neck pain and or radicular symptoms, 05 had thoracic and 04 multilevel symptoms. Average number of session given were 3.98 (range 2 to 8). Minimum and maximum reported pain improved statistically from 4.17 to 2.94 (Df 1.2, p = 0.00) and 8.00 to 6.03 (Df 1.9, p = 0.00) respectively but were below Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of 2. COMI improved statistically from 6.39(SD1.6) to 5.37 (SD 1.9) (Df 1.02, p = 0.00) that was below group MCID of COMI of 2.6. Seventy-five required further treatment, 49 were discharged and 11 patient did not complete the treatment.

Discussion

Acupuncture is an NICE recommended established adjuvant treatment for treating common spinal conditions. This study demonstrates it to a be a safe technique with high patient satisfaction with statistically significant improvement in outcome measures that are below MCID of improvement raising questions on its cost effectiveness in routine clinical practice.


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No conflicts of interest

No funding obtained

This abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part, nor has it been presented previously at a national meeting.