Dry needling, trigger point electroacupuncture and motor point electroacupuncture for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome involving the trapezius: a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare trigger point (TrP) dry needling, TrP electroacupuncture and motor point electroacupuncture of the trapezius muscle for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). METHODS: This randomised clinical trial included 90 patients divided into three groups. Group 1 was treated with dry needling of TrPs, group 2 with intramuscular electrical stimulation of TrPs, and group 3 with electroacupuncture of motor points and/or the spinal accessory nerve. Each group received seven treatment sessions. The outcomes were the pain score measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life evaluated by the 12-item short form (SF-12) health questionnaire. We compared the pain outcome over serial time points using growth curve analysis methods. RESULTS: Participants in the three groups experienced significant improvements in pain scores over time. The average pain level of participants in group 3 across the repeated assessments was 0.98 units lower than in group 1 (mean difference (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.74-0.23)), p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in pain scores between participants in groups 1 and 2, and there were no significant differences in quality of life across the three groups at the end of the treatment period. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that electrical stimulation of motor points and/or of the spinal accessory nerve may be superior in terms of pain relief (but not quality of life) to dry needling and possibly electrical stimulation of trigger points for the management of MPS involving the trapezius. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: TRIAL-RBR-43R7RF (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry).

Analgesic effect of acupuncture in patients with stable angina: integrative review / Efeito analgésico da acupuntura em pacientes com angina estável: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Angina is a clinical syndrome characterized by pain or discomfort, considered stable when it occurs for several weeks without progressing to an acute coronary event. Anginal pain management can be performed with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, among which acupuncture is a non-pharmacological option. The aim of this study was to carry out an integrative review of the analgesic effect of acupuncture in patients with stable angina. CONTENTS: An integrative review was carried out in April 2021 in databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Cinahl and Bireme. Controlled descriptors "angina pectoris", "angina stable", "acupuncture", "acupuncture therapy", "acupuncture analgesia" were used. After screening and analyzing the manuscripts, seven experimental studies of the randomized controlled trial type were selected. The results suggest that acupuncture in patients with stable angina can promote an analgesic effect with clinical improvement of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can be an adjuvant therapeutic alternative for the treatment of patients with stable angina, since it can promote an analgesic effect with clinical improvement of symptoms.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A angina é uma síndrome clínica caracterizada por dor ou desconforto, considerada estável quando ocorre por várias semanas sem evoluir para um evento coronariano agudo. O manejo da dor anginosa pode ser realizado por meio de tratamentos farmacológicos e não farmacológicos, incluindo a acupuntura como uma opção não farmacológica complementar. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa sobre o efeito analgésico da acupuntura em pacientes com angina estável. CONTEÚDO: Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa no mês de abril de 2021 nas bases de dados: Pubmed, Scopus, Cinahl e Bireme. Foram utilizados os descritores controlados "angina pectoris", "angina stable", "acupuncture", "acupuncture therapy", "acupuncture analgesia". Após triagem e análise dos manuscritos, foram selecionados sete estudos experimentais do tipo ensaio controlado randomizado. Os resultados sugerem que a acupuntura pode promover efeito analgésico com melhora clínica dos sintomas em pacientes com angina estável. CONCLUSÃO: A acupuntura pode ser uma alternativa terapêutica complementar para tratamento de pacientes com angina estável, uma vez que pode promover efeito analgésico com melhora clínica dos sintomas.

Tratamento imediato da dor e limitação de abertura bucal nas disfunções temporomandibulares, através da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC) / Immediate treatment of pain and limitation of mouth opening in temporomandibular disorders through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) apresenta-se como principal causa de dores orofaciais de origem não dentária. A acupuntura é indicada para o alívio de da dor em casos de DTM muscular, baseada em propriedades anti-inflamatórias com efeitos neuro-hormonais. Objetivou-se nesta pesquisa a avaliação da eficácia da acupuntura como um método válido para redução imediata da sintomatologia dolorosa e limitação de abertura bucal nos casos de DTM. Realizou-se terapia acupuntural em 30 pacientes com DTM, avaliando-se a dor, a partir da Escala Verbal (EV) e da Escala Analógica Visual (EAV) e a limitação de abertura bucal com o auxílio de paquímetro digital antes e após a terapia para registro da análise. O aumento da média de abertura bucal foi de 9,2% no total de participantes. Quanto à sintomatologia dolorosa, apresentou redução média em 63%. Na EV, 27 dos pacientes tiveram resposta "moderada" e "intensa" para sensação dolorosa. Contudo, após a terapia, observou-se ausência de sensação dolorosa intensa. Os dados apontaram significância da terapia acupuntural para redução dor e limitação de abertura bucal, de forma imediata, em pacientes com DTM... (AU)

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is the main cause of orofacial pain of non-dental origin. Acupuncture is indicated for pain relief in cases of muscle TMD, based on anti-inflammatory properties with neuro hormonal effects. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the acupuncture as a valid method for immediate reduction of painful symptoms and mouth opening limitation in TMD cases. Acupuncture therapy was performed in 30 patients with TMD, evaluating pain from the Verbal Scale (VE) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and mouth opening limitation with the aid of a digital caliper before and after therapy to record the analysis. The increase in the average mouth opening was 9.2% in the total number of participants. As for painful symptoms, an average reduction of 63%. In IV, 27 of the patients had "moderate" and "intense" responses to painful sensation. However, after therapy, the absence of intense painful sensation was observed. The data showed the significance of acupuncture therapy for immediate pain reduction and mouth opening limitation in patients with TMD... (AU)

Aplicación de analgesia acupuntural en cirugía inguino genital uropediátrica / Application of acupuncture analgesia in pediatric urinary genital inguinal surgery

RESUMEN Introducción: la analgesia por acupuntura produce una estimulación mecánica o eléctrica en diferentes puntos del cuerpo, provocando un aumento del umbral del dolor y ayuda al paciente a soportar diversos tipos de intervención quirúrgica. Objetivo: evaluar la aplicación de analgesia acupuntural en cirugía inguino genital urológica en el Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente Pepe Portilla. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 260 pacientes operados con analgesia acupuntural entre 2011 y 2017. Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de las historias clínicas de los pacientes. Las variables (edad, sexo, área quirúrgica, eficacia del tratamiento, complicaciones, recuperación anestésica, tiempo de uso de analgésicos y gasto económico) se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino (78,1 %) y las edades comprendidas entre 13 - 18 años. La región inguinal fue el área más intervenida (76,1 %). El 93,9 % de los pacientes presentó buena respuesta al tratamiento, el 2,7 % mostró respuesta regular en cirugía genital y el 3,4 % respuesta mala en cirugía inguinal. Solo 19 pacientes (7,3 %) presentaron algún tipo de complicación, siendo el dolor la más frecuente (10 casos). La recuperación anestésica fue favorable en 241 pacientes (92,7 %). El valor de los recursos materiales usados representa $0,99 por cada cirugía, lo cual asciende al monto de $257,4 en las 260 intervenciones realizadas. Conclusiones: el uso de analgesia acupuntural en cirugía uropediátrica presentó buena respuesta al tratamiento, aparición escasa de complicaciones, recuperación anestésica favorable y amplio valor científico y socioeconómico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: acupuncture analgesia produces mechanical or electrical stimulation in different points of the body, increasing the pain threshold and helping the patient to support different types of surgical intervention. Objective: to assess the application of acupuncture analgesia in urinary genital inguinal surgery at Pepe Portilla Provincial Pediatric Teaching Hospital. Methods: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study that included 260 patients undergoing surgeries applying acupuncture analgesia between 2011 and 2017 was conducted. The data were obtained from the patient's medical records. The variables were: age, gender, surgical area, effectiveness of treatment, complications, anesthetic recovery, duration of the analgesic action and economic expenses; which were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: male sex predominated (78,1 %), the ages comprised between 13 - 18 years. The inguinal region was the most intervened area (76,1 %); 93,9 % of the patients showed good outcomes, 2,7 % had a regular response in genital surgery and 3,4 % a poor outcome in inguinal surgery. Only 19 patients (7,3 %) presented some type of complications, pain was the most frequent (10 cases). Anesthetic recovery was favorable in 241 patients (92,7 %). The cost of the surgical materials used represents $ 0,99 for each surgery, which amounts of $ 257,4 in a total of 260 surgical interventions performed. Conclusions: the application of acupuncture analgesia in pediatric urinary genital inguinal surgery presented a good response to this treatment, observing infrequent complications, favorable anesthetic recovery and an ample scientific value, as well as low socioeconomic expenses.

Reduction in knee pain symptoms in athletes using an acupuncture protocol / Redução da sintomatologia dolorosa de joelho em atletas utilizando protocolo de acupuntura

ABSTRACT Pain in the lower limbs is common in athletes and a limiting factor in performance. Acupuncture has shown positive effects as an analgesic treatment and may potentially be used for pain reduction in runners. This study aimed to analyze the parameters associated with knee pain by correlating strength parameters of the musculature assessed in runners treated with acupuncture. A descriptive longitudinal study was conducted on 34 runners of both sexes aged 20 to 52 years, who presented with knee-related pain from January to June, 2015. Two pain questionnaires and a maximal strength test with electromyographic evaluation of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and medialis muscles were used, and patients were monitored during five follow-up visits after an acupuncture protocol. All participants reported experiencing a decrease in knee pain after treatment. The affected limbs showed an increase in average strength by 34% and 25% compared to the contralateral limb. An increase in the number of motor units recruited for the three muscles was observed in both limbs. In conclusion, the proposed acupuncture protocol was effective in reducing pain symptoms in the knee region of athletes, thus influencing their gain in strength and muscle balance. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

RESUMO A dor em membros inferiores é comum em atletas e representa um aspecto limitante ao rendimento. Buscando atenuação para a dor desta população, utiliza-se a acupuntura por apresentar bons efeitos na analgesia. Objetivo: analisar os parâmetros relacionados à dor de joelho correlacionando os parâmetros de força das musculaturas avaliadas em corredores submetidos a tratamento de acupuntura. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal, de janeiro a junho de 2015, com 34 corredores de 20 a 52 anos de ambos os sexos, que apresentassem dor de joelho. Foram aplicados dois questionários de dor e um teste de força máxima com avaliação eletromiográfica dos músculos reto femoral, vasto lateral e medial, com cinco atendimentos seguindo um protocolo de acupuntura. Resultados: Todos os voluntários relataram diminuição da dor de joelho após o tratamento. A média de força do membro afetado teve incremento de 34% e do membro contralateral de 25%. Verificou-se aumento no número de recrutamento de unidades motoras para os três músculos avaliados em ambos os membros. Conclusão: O protocolo proposto se mostrou eficaz na diminuição da sintomatologia dolorosa na região de joelhos de atletas corredores, interferindo no ganho de força e no equilíbrio muscular. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Efectividad de la acupuntura con microsistema de cara como tratamiento de pacientes con cefalea migrañosa / Effectiveness of Acupuncture with a Facial Microsystem as a Treatment for Patients with Migraine Headache

RESUMEN Introducción: La cefalea es uno de los trastornos más comunes del sistema nervioso en todo el mundo, frecuentemente es signo de otras enfermedades. Mientras la medicina occidental trata los síntomas con medicamentos, los médicos alternativos tratan la causa con acupuntura para proporcionar alivio duradero. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la acupuntura con microsistema de cara como tratamiento de pacientes con cefalea migrañosa. Métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental de tipo casos-controles con 100 pacientes que asistieron a la Clínica del Dolor del Hospital "Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo", en Santiago de Cuba, con diagnóstico de cefalea migrañosa, desde enero de 2014 a noviembre de 2015. Al grupo estudio se aplicó acupuntura con microsistema de cara; al grupo control, medicamentos. La información se obtuvo de las historias clínicas, el dolor se valoró con la escala analógica visual del dolor. Se aplicó Ji cuadrado de homogeneidad para la identificar diferencias significativas entre las proporciones de efectividad de uno y otro tratamiento, con un nivel de significación (α;= 0,05). Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (70,00 por ciento), el grupo etareo 18-39 años, de ellos 40 en el grupo estudio (80,00 por ciento), 43 en el control (86,00 por ciento). En el grupo estudio el 82,00 por ciento de los pacientes quedó sin dolor desde la primera sesión del tratamiento, el 18,00 por ciento con dolor disminuido. Al final del tratamiento el 98,00 por ciento del grupo estudio quedó sin dolor contra el 96,00 por ciento del grupo control. Conclusión: La acupuntura con microsistema de cara es un método alternativo efectivo en el tratamiento de la cefalea migrañosa(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Headache is one of the most common nervous system disorders worldwide. It is frequently a sign of other diseases. While Western medicine treats symptoms with medications, alternative practitioners treat the cause with acupuncture to provide long-lasting relief. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture with a facial microsystem as a treatment for patients with migraine headache. Methods: Quasiexperimental case-control study with 100 patients who attended the Pain Clinic at Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, with a diagnosis of migraine headache, from January 2014 to November 2015. The study group was applied acupuncture with a facial microsystem. The control group was treated with medicines. The information was obtained from the medical records. The pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale. Chi-square test of homogeneity was applied in order to identify significant differences between the proportions of effectiveness of one treatment and another, with a level of significance α =0.05. Results: There was predominance of the female sex (70.00 percent), age group 18-39 years, among them 40 in the study group (80.00 percent) and 43 in the control group (86.00 percent). In the study group, 82.00 percent of patients remained without pain from the first session of treatment and 18.00 percent with pain decreased. At the end of the treatment, 98.00 percent of the study group remained without pain in opposition to 96.00 percent of the control group. Conclusion: Acupuncture with a facial microsystem is an effective alternative method in the treatment of migraine headache(AU)

Analgesia quirúrgica acupuntural y técnicas bioenergéticas afines en estomatología / Surgical acupunctural analgesia and bioenergetics techniques related in stomatology

RESUMEN Fundamento: la analgesia quirúrgica acupuntural permite realizar el tratamiento quirúrgico sin el uso de anestésicos convencionales, pues la acupuntura y la electroterapia, logran un aumento del umbral doloroso en el paciente, y producen una disminución o pérdida de la percepción del dolor. Este proceder combinado con otras técnicas bioenergéticas afines es más efectivo. Objetivo: divulgar información actualizada sobre el uso de la analgesia quirúrgica acupuntural y las técnicas bioenergéticas afines, en profesionales dela estomatología. Método: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica desde enero hasta marzo de 2017, en las bibliotecas de la facultad de Estomatología y Medicina, de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de la provincia Camagüey. Se consultó la bibliografía impresa, libros clásicos revistas y la información disponible en internet, que aparece escrita en los idiomas español, inglés y portugués. La búsqueda se realizó en bases de datos como: Medline, Lilacs, Dialnet, Redalyc, Hinari, Doyma, SciELO. De los 90 artículos encontrados, se incluyen 47 en la investigación, un alto porcentaje de ellos fue publicado en los últimos cinco años. Desarrollo: la revisión bibliográfica muestra la importancia de combinar la acupuntura con técnicas eléctricas, terapias psicológicas, la hipnosis, la homeopatía y la auriculopuntura; al realizar exodoncias. Se mencionan los antecedentes históricos, conceptos, indicaciones, precauciones, contraindicaciones, equipo e instrumental, aspectos que garantizan el éxito del tratamiento. Se señalan los puntos acupunturales más útiles, ventajas de su uso, iatrogenias y eventos adversos frecuentes. Conclusiones: la analgesia quirúrgica acupuntural es un procedimiento con bases científicas en continuo desarrollo. Su indicación para exodoncias en estomatología es favorable y su eficacia es mayor al combinarla con terapias bioenergéticas afines, por tanto es necesario potenciar y desarrollar estudios rigurosos sobre este tema, para estimular y divulgar su uso entre los profesionales de la estomatología.

ABSTRACT Background: the surgical acupunctural analgesia allows accomplishing the surgical treatment without the use of conventional anesthetics, because acupuncture and electrotherapy achieve an increase of the painful doorstep in the patient and they produce a decrease or loss of the perception of the pain. This action combined with other techniques related bioenergetics is more effective. Objective: to popularize updated information on the use of the surgical acupunctural analgesia and techniques related to bioenergetics in stomatology. Methods: a bibliographic revision was carried out from January to March 2017, at the libraries of Dentistry's and Medicine´s faculty of Medical Science's University of Camagüey´s province. It was consulted the printed bibliography, classical books, magazines and the available information in internet, which appear written in the Spanish, English and Portuguese languages. The search was carried out in databases like Medline, Lilacs, Dialnet, Redalyc, Hinari, Doyma and SciELO. Of the 90 articles found, 47 are included in the investigation; a high percentage of them were published in the last five years. Development: the bibliographical review shows the importance of combining the acupuncture with electrical techniques, psychological therapies, hypnosis, homeopathy, and auriculopuncture; when performing exodontias. There are mentioned the historic background, concepts, indications, precautions, contraindications, equipment and instruments, aspects that guarantee the success of treatment. It is pointed out the most useful acupuncture points, advantages of its use, iatrogenic and frequent adverse events. Conclusions: the surgical acupunctural analgesia is a procedure with scientific bases in continuous development. Its indication for exodontias in dentistry is clearly favorable and its efficacy is higher when combining with bioenergetics therapies, therefore it is necessary to encourage and to develop rigorous studies on this theme to stimulate and to promote its use among the professionals of dentistry.

Golpe del espolón calcáneo complementado con electroacupuntura / Calcaneal spur shockwave complemented with electroacupuncture

El síntoma más importante del espolón calcáneo es el dolor, que se agrava con la carga estando el paciente parado o caminando; localizado en la zona del talón y de rara irra­diación. Se hace presentación de caso: mujer de 47 años de edad, sobrepeso, larga estancia de pie laborando en una cafetería, con espolón calcáneo y la descripción técnica de un único golpe en región plantar, complementado con electroacupuntura por su efecto analgésico y antiinflamatorio. La técnica se aplica por personal calificado y especializado de salud pública(AU)

The most important symptom of the calcaneal spur is pain, which worsening with the weight charge as the patients is standing up or walking; located in the heel area and of rare irradiation. Case presentation: women of 47 years of age, overweight, long time standing up as she works in a cafeteria, with a calcaneal spur and the technical description of an only plantar region shockwave, complemented with electroacupuncture for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The technique was applied by the qualified and specialized public health personal(AU)

Golpe del espolón calcáneo complementado con electroacupuntura / Calcaneal spur shockwave complemented with electroacupuncture

El síntoma más importante del espolón calcáneo es el dolor, que se agrava con la carga estando el paciente parado o caminando; localizado en la zona del talón y de rara irra­diación. Se hace presentación de caso: mujer de 47 años de edad, sobrepeso, larga estancia de pie laborando en una cafetería, con espolón calcáneo y la descripción técnica de un único golpe en región plantar, complementado con electroacupuntura por su efecto analgésico y antiinflamatorio. La técnica se aplica por personal calificado y especializado de salud pública(AU)

The most important symptom of the calcaneal spur is pain, which worsening with the weight charge as the patients is standing up or walking; located in the heel area and of rare irradiation. Case presentation: women of 47 years of age, overweight, long time standing up as she works in a cafeteria, with a calcaneal spur and the technical description of an only plantar region shockwave, complemented with electroacupuncture for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The technique was applied by the qualified and specialized public health personal(AU)

Effectiveness of acupuncture for temporomandibular disorders and associated symptoms / Eficiência da acupuntura no tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares e sintomas associados

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorder is defined as a set of clinical problems involving masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint and associated structures. For having multifactorial etiology, several treatments are proposed and successfully used. However, most recommended therapies are those reversible and noninvasive, which should be the first choice to treat temporomandibular disorders. This study aimed at discussing acupuncture to treat temporomandibular disorders and associated symptoms. CONTENTS: This is a review of 34 articles published between 1983 and 2015. Since acupuncture aims at returning balance to body and harmony between physical and psychical parts by stimulating specific points, it may be considered therapy of choice to treat temporomandibular disorders. In TMD patients, evidences have shown efficacy in increasing temporomandibular joint movement amplitude, accelerating serotonin, encephalin and endorphin release, thus favoring masticatory muscles relaxation and pain relief. According to recent articles, most commonly used points for this purpose are: ST6, ST7, SJ21, SJ17, SI18, Taiyaing and Yintang (face and head) and LI4 (extrafacial). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is as effective to control facial pain as conventional Western therapies. It is considered useful, of low cost and provides better quality of life to patients treated with this technique.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A disfunção temporomandibular é definida como um conjunto de problemas clínicos que envolvem os músculos mastigatórios, a articulação temporomandibular e estruturas associadas. Por serem de causa multifatorial, diversas modalidades de tratamento são propostas e utilizadas com êxito. Contudo, as terapias mais recomendadas são as reversíveis e não invasivas, as quais devem ser a primeira opção de escolha no tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares. O objetivo deste estudo foi discorrer sobre o uso da acupuntura no tratamento da disfunção temporomandibular e sintomas associados. CONTEÚDO: Compuseram essa revisão 34 artigos, publicados entre os anos de 1983 e 2015. Uma vez que a acupuntura busca devolver o equilíbrio do organismo e harmonia entre as partes física e psíquica por meio de estímulos em pontos específicos, pode ser considerada uma terapia de eleição para o tratamento da disfunção temporomandibular. Em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular evidências demonstraram eficácia no aumento da amplitude de movimento da articulação temporomandibular, acelerando a liberação de serotonina, encefalina e endorfina, e favorecendo assim o relaxamento dos músculos mastigatórios e a redução da dor. Segundo os artigos recentes, os pontos mais comumente empregados para esse fim são: E6, E7, TA21, TA17, ID18, Taiyaing e Yintang (face e cabeça) e IG4 (extrafacial). CONCLUSÃO: A acupuntura tem se mostrado tão eficiente no controle de dores faciais quanto as terapias ocidentais convencionais. É uma terapia considerada útil, de baixo custo e que proporciona uma melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes tratados com essa técnica.

Uso de Terapias Complementarias en el Tratamiento de Pacientes con Lumbalgia Crónica del Seguro Social de Salud. La Libertad, 2009 / Use of complementary therapies in the treatment of chronic low back pain in patients from Peruvian Health Insurance (EsSalud). La Libertad, 2009

Objetivo: Describir las variaciones en el consumo de analgésicos en pacientes con lumbalgia crónica que recibieron terapias con medicina complementaria. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo. Se realizó en el Centro de Atención de Medicina Complementaria (CAMEC) ­ La Libertad en el periodo marzo-mayo de 2009, de seis semanas de seguimiento en 45 pacientes que recibieron terapias con medicina complementaria. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de lumbalgia mayor de 12 semanas y tratamiento farmacológico activo. Se evaluaron características clínico-epidemiológicas, factores de riesgo asociados (obesidad, estrés, sedentarismo, polifarmacia), tiempo de enfermedad, terapia utilizada, disminución del consumo de analgésicos y el grado de satisfacción. Resultados: Un 77,8% presentó el diagnóstico de lumbalgia crónica inespecífica. Las terapias complementarias más indicadas fueron acupuntura, masoterapia y fitoterapia; en su mayoría de modo combinado. En seis semanas de seguimiento el 93,3% de la población redujo, en alguna medida, la dosis habitual de analgésicos; mientras que el 40% suspendió totalmente su consumo. El 86,7% de los pacientes manifestaron haber obtenido resultados excelentes o buenos después de la aplicación de terapias alternativas. Conclusiones: El uso de terapias complementarias en el tratamiento de la lumbalgia crónica disminuye el uso de analgésicos y brinda una percepción de satisfacción en los pacientes.

Acupuncture therapeutic protocols for the management of temporomandibular disorders / Protocolos de acupuntura para o tratamento da disfunção temporomandibular

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: For most cases, temporomandibular disorders should be treated by a non-invasive, interdisciplinary and integrative process. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is an excellent tool aiming at treating and healing this disease. This study was a critical literature review to observe the efficacy of traditional Chinese acupuncture to treat muscular temporomandibular disorders and to identify primary acupoints. CONTENTS: Pubmed, LILACS, Scielo and Cochrane databases were queried to identify scientific articles relevant for the study. Articles were selected from January 2000 to May 2013. A total of 125 articles were found and 21 were included. Acupuncture treatment alone or as additional therapy, or even compared to other techniques, was superior and effective to improve pain and function of patients with temporomandibular disorders and most commonly used acupoints were IG4, E6, E7 and F3. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that acupuncture is a technique recommended by national and international literature to treat muscular temporomandibular disorders, promoting pain relief and/or total intensity, improvement of joint movements and oral function and decrease of masticatory muscles hyperactivity. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Na grande maioria dos casos, o tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares deve ser um processo não invasivo, interdisciplinar e integrativo. Dentro da medicina tradicional chinesa, a acupuntura é uma ótima ferramenta que visa a terapia e cura dessas doenças. O objetivo deste estudo foi conduzir uma revisão crítica da literatura para verificar a eficácia da acupuntura tradicional chinesa no tratamento da disfunção temporomandibular do tipo muscular, bem como identificar os principais acupontos. CONTEÚDO: Foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados Pubmed, LILACS, Scielo e Cochrane para identificar artigos científicos relevantes para o estudo. Os artigos foram selecionados no período de janeiro de 2000 a maio de 2013. Encontrou-se um total de 125 artigos, sendo que 21 foram incluídos. O tratamento de acupuntura isolado ou como terapia complementar, ou ainda comparado com outras técnicas, se mostrou superior e eficiente na melhora da dor e da função de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular, e os pontos de acupuntura mais citados foram IG4, E6, E7 e F3. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou que a acupuntura é uma técnica recomendada pela literatura nacional e internacional para o tratamento de disfunções temporomandibulares de origem muscular, promovendo alivio e/ou redução total da intensidade dolorosa, melhora nos movimentos mandibulares e na função oral e diminuição da hiperatividade muscular dos músculos da mastigação. .

La auriculopuntura, un tratamiento alternativo para el dolor pos-instalación de técnicas ortodóncicas fijas / Auriculoacupuncture, an alternative treatment for the pain that appears after the installation of fixed orthodontic techniques

FUNDAMENTO: la terapia ortodóncica provoca períodos variables de dolor que no pueden tratarse de manera convencional por las negativas influencias de los analgésicos en el movimiento dentario, lo que motiva a buscar otras alternativas para la sedación de estos pacientes. OBJETIVO: evaluar la acción analgésica de la auriculopuntura en el dolor pos- instalación de técnicas ortodóncicas fijas. MÉTODO: se realizó un estudio de intervención terapéutica a corto plazo en el servicio de ortodoncia de la Clínica Estomatológica Docente Previsora desde enero de 2010 a enero de 2011. El universo y muestra lo conformaron 31 pacientes. Se determinó la percepción del dolor inmediato y mediato a través de la escala visual analógica, se precisó el estado de satisfacción de cada paciente y se identificaron las posibles reacciones adversas. RESULTADOS: más de la mitad de la muestra refirió dolor moderado inmediatamente de instalada la técnica, al tercer día de evolución casi la totalidad de los pacientes no presentó dolor. El total de la muestra estuvo satisfecho con el tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: el método resultó eficaz con un mínimo de complicaciones.

BACKGROUND: orthodontic therapy causes different periods of pain that can not be treated conventionally because of the negative influence of analgesics in the dental movement; this motivates looking for other alternatives for the sedation of patients. OBJECTIVE: to asses the analgesic action of auriculoacupuncture in the pain that appears after the installation of fixed orthodontic techniques. METHOD: a short-term study of therapeutic intervention was conducted in the orthodontic department of the Previsora Teaching Stomatological Clinic from January, 2010 to January, 2011. The universe and sample were composed of 31 patients. The perception of immediate and mediate pain was determined by means of the analogical visual scale; the satisfaction state of every patient was specified and the possible adverse reactions were identified. RESULTS: more than the half of the sample expressed feeling a moderate pain immediately after the technique was installed; the third day of evolution almost all the patients did not presented pain. The whole sample was satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: the method resulted to be effective with a minimum of complications.

Estudo comparativo entre dois protocolos de tratamento Flor de Liz e Método Canal Unitário em algias cervicais / Comparative study between two treatment protocols - Fleur de Lis and Unitary Channel Method for cervical pain

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A acupuntura é um método terapêutico utilizado há aproximadamente 5.000 anos que promove a harmonização e o fortalecimento do corpo. A cervicalgia atinge 28% da população. A Organização Mundial da Saúde de 2004 afirma que dores cervicais melhoram em 67% através do tratamento com acupuntura. A técnica Canal Unitário harmoniza e trata as dores. A técnica Flor de Liz alivia a dor crônica e aguda através do tratamento direto sobre as vértebras. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar qual dos métodos produziu melhor efeito em relação à dor e qual deles manteve seus efeitos por maior tempo. MÉTODOS: Dois grupos foram criados. Um dos grupos tratado com Flor de Liz (G1) e o outro com Canal Unitário (G2). Os pacientes foram avaliados por um questionário e pela escala analógica visual de dor. O tratamento foi realizado em 10 sessões, de 40 minutos cada, uma vez por semana. Após uma, duas, três e quatro semanas os pacientes foram reavaliados. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 20 pacientes dos quais 10 receberam Canal Unitário e 10 receberam a técnica Flor de Liz. Pela técnica Flor de Liz, a média de dor inicial foi de 5,6 e após 10 sessões foi de 0,1; enquanto com o Canal Unitário foi de 6,36 e 2,54, respectivamente. Após quatro semanas do fim do tratamento a graduação de dor diminuiu. Através da técnica de Canal Unitário observou-se que os meridianos mais acometidos foram triplo aquecedor (35%), intestino delgado (20%) e bexiga (20%), seguidos por vesícula biliar (15%) e intestino grosso e estômago com 5% cada um. Ao comparar ambos os grupos após aplicação das técnicas, verificou-se de uma maneira geral que o G1 apresentou valores inferiores aos obtidos pelo G2. Após o tratamento, ambos os grupos permanecem com intensidade inferior a zero. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica Flor de Liz obteve melhores resultados após as 10 sessões e manteve os resultados após quatro semanas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used for approximately five thousand years which promotes body harmonization and strengthening. Cervical pain affects 28% of the population. In 2004, the World Health Organization stated that cervical pain improves 67% when treated with acupuncture. The Unitary Channel technique harmonizes and treats pain. The Fleur de Lis technique relieves chronic and acute pain by directly acting on vertebrae. This study aimed at verifying which method had the best effect on pain and which has kept its effects for a longer time. METHODS: Two groups were created. One group was treated with Fleur de Lis (G1) and the other with Unitary Channel (G2). Patients were evaluated with a questionnaire and the visual analog scale. Treatment consisted of 10 sessions of 40 minutes each, once a week. Patients were revaluated after two, three and four weeks. RESULTS: Participated in the study 20 patients of whom 10 have received Unitary Channel and 10 have received the Fleur de Lis technique. With the Fleur de Lis technique, mean initial pain was 5.6 and after ten sessions it was 0.1. For the Unitary Channel it was 6.36 and 2.54, respectively. Four weeks after treatment pain scores had decreased. With the Unitary Channel technique it was observed that most affected meridians were triple burner (35%), small intestine (20%) and bladder (20%), followed by gallbladder (15%), and large intestine and stomach, with 5% each. When comparing both groups after the application of the techniques, it was observed that, in general, G1 had lower scores as compared to G2. After treatment, both groups have remained with pain intensity below zero. CONCLUSION: Fleur de Lis technique had better results after 10 sessions and has maintained results after four weeks.

Endarterectomía de carótidas con analgesia acupuntural / Endarterectomy of carotids with acupunctural analgesia

La enfermedad carotídea aumenta significativamente el riesgo de tener el tipo más común de ataque isquémico cerebral (ictus). Son sobradamente conocidos los elevados procesos isquémicos cerebrales que tienen su origen en lesiones estenosantes (ulceradas o no) de las arterias extracraneales, fundamentalmente en la bifurcación carotídea. Dado que estas lesiones tienen acceso quirúrgico, el tratamiento de rutina desde hace años es la endarterectomia carotídea. El efecto analgésico de la acupuntura permite realizar cualquier tipo de operación en la región anatómica seleccionada, conservando el paciente su lucidez mental, algo oportuno para determinar qué pacientes necesitarán de shunt intraluminal después del clampeo de las arterias durante esta operación. Con el objetivo de asociar estos criterios, a un paciente masculino de 76 años que había sufrido cuatro ataques cerebrales de isquemia, producto de placa de ateroma complicada y estenosante de la bifurcación carotidea izquierda, se le realizó una endarterectomía con analgesia acupuntural sin complicaciones transoperatorias ni postoperatorias, por lo que se propone que es una alternativa lógica, económica y segura de realizar la desobstrucción carotídea.

Carotid disease increases the risk of having the most common brain-ischemic stroke significantly. The elevated brain ischemic processes havig their origin in lesions caused by stenosis (ulcerous o non-ulcerous) of the extracranial arteries, mainly in the carotid bifurcation are well-known. As these lesions are surgically accessible, for long years the routine treatment is the Endarterectomy of carotids. The analgesic effect of the acupuncture permits any types of surgery in the chosen anatomic region, preserving mental lucidity in patient, something very significant to determine the patients needing intraluminal shunt after campling the arteries during this surgical procedure. Aimed at associating these criteria, a 76-year-old-male patient who had suffered from four ischemic brain strokes as a consequence of a complicated atheromatous plaque and stenosis of left carotid bifurcation, an Endarterectomy of carotids with acupunctural analgesia was performed without trans-operative or post-operative complications, therefore it is proposed as a logic, economic and secure alternative to remove the carotid obstruction.

Analgesia da farmacopuntura com meloxicam ou da aquapuntura preemptivas em gatas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia / Analgesia of preemptive pharmacopuncture with meloxicam or aquapuncture in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito analgésico da farmacopuntura com meloxicam e da aquapuntura preemptivas em gatas submetidas à OSH. Foram utilizados 29 animais considerados sadios após exame clínico e laboratorial com idade de 11,59±6,21 meses e peso de 2,50±0,58kg distribuídos em quatro grupos: aquapuntura (GA; n=7; 0,1ml de solução fisiológica nos acupontos BP6, VB34, F3 e E36 bilaterais), meloxicam (GM; n=8; 0,1mg kg-1 de meloxicam por via subcutânea), farmacopuntura (GMFV; n=7; 0,01mg kg-1 de meloxicam, diluído em 0,8ml de solução fisiológica, distribuído nos acupontos BP6, VB34, F3 e E36 bilaterais) e subdose de meloxicam (GMFF; n=7; 0,01mg kg-1 de meloxicam diluído em solução fisiológica por via SC na região interescapular). Os animais foram submetidos à OSH por meio de técnica cirúrgica minimamente invasiva. Os momentos de avaliação pós-cirúrgica foram 1h, 2h, 6h, 8h, 12h e 24h após o término da cirurgia por avaliador encoberto. Todos os parâmetros avaliados no dia anterior à cirurgia foram considerados como valores basais. Para a avaliação da sedação, utilizou-se a escala analógica visual e o escore do grau de sedação. Para a avaliação da dor, foram utilizadas a escala analógica visual (EAV), a escala descritiva de dor (EDD) e o grau de hiperalgesia com o auxílio dos monofilamentos de Von Frey. O resgate analgésico foi realizado com morfina na dose de 0,2mg kg-1 por via intramuscular (IM), quando a pontuação na EDD ultrapassava 33% da total. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do programa Sigma-Stat 3.1, utilizando-se a análise de variância paramétrica e não paramétrica e respectivos teste de Tukey e de Dunn para as comparações, com significância de 5% (P<0,05). Não houve diferenças estatísticas na comparação entre os grupos quanto às variáveis fisiológicas, sensibilidade quanto aos monofilamentos de Von Frey, EAV para dor e sedação e EDD. Quatro resgates do grupo GM foram realizados, contra três resgates dos grupos GA e GMFF e dois resgates do grupo GMFV. Os tratamentos apresentaram semelhante eficácia analgésica em gatas submetidas à OSH.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of preemptive pharmacopuncture with meloxicam or aquapuncture in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-nine healthy animals, aged 11.59±6.21 and weighing 2.50±0.58kg were used and assigned to four groups: aquapuncture (GA; n=7; 0.1mL of saline solution in the SP6, GB34, LIV3 and ST36 acupoints bilaterally), meloxicam (GM; n=8; 0.1mg kg-1 of meloxicam subcutaneously), pharmacopuncture (GMFV; n=7; 0.01mg kg-1 of meloxicam, diluted to 0.8ml of saline solution, equally distributed in the SP6, GB34, LIV3 and ST36 acupoints bilaterally) or subdose of meloxicam (GMFF; n=7; 0.01mg kg-1 of meloxicam diluted in saline subcutaneously, at the interscapular region). The animals were submitted to OVH by minimally invasive surgical technique. Animals were evaluated at 1h, 2h, 6h, 8h, 12h and 24h postoperatively by a blind assessor. All measurements were assessed the day before surgery and were considered as baseline. Postoperative pain and sedation were evaluated by visual analogue scale in both cases and sedation score and descriptive pain scale (DPS), respectively, as well as hyperalgesia was assessed by the Von Frey monofilaments. The analgesic rescue was performed with 0.2mg kg-1 of morphine intramuscularly, when the DPS score was above 33% from the total score. Statistical analysis were performed with the Sigma-Stat 3.1 program using parametric and nonparametric analyses of variances and respective Tukey´s and Dunn´s test for post hoc comparisons. The level of statistical significance was set at 5% (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between groups for the physiological variables, Von Frey sensitivity, VAS for pain and sedation and DPS. Four analgesic rescues were performed in GM group, three in GA and GMFF groups and two in GMFV group. All treatments showed similar analgesic effect in cats undergoing OVH.

Acupuntura e sangria no manejo da dor aguda de origem dentária / Acupuncture and bloodletting in acute pain management of dental origin

A dor do dente causa impacto na qualidade de vida. Acupuntura e sangria, reconhecidas como um tratamento para alívio da dor, podem ser utilizadas para seu controle no pré-atendimento odontológico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso da sangria e compará-la com a acupuntura na redução da intensidade da dor aguda de origem dental, no pré-atendimento odontológico...

Introduction: Dental pain impacts on quality of life. Acupuncture and bloodletting, recognized as a treatment for pain relief, can be used for its control in the pre-dental care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of bloodletting and compare it with acupuncture in reducing the intensity of acute pain of dental origin...

Eficacia de la acupuntura en el tratamiento de los síntomas postoperatorio en cirugía pediátrica ambulatoria / Acupuncture´s efficacy of postoperative symptoms in ambulatory pediatric surgery

Los síntomas postoperatorios en cirugía pediátrica ambulatoria constituyen un problema de salud. Su incidencia y utilización de medicamentos, en pacientes susceptibles pueden ser riesgosas. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento acupuntural en síntomas postoperatorios: dolor, náuseas y vómitos, en cirugía pediátrica ambulatoria. Método: se realizó un ensayo clínico fase II temprana, para determinar la eficacia acupuntural de síntomas postoperatorios en niños (10 a 14 años), del Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente Eduardo Agramonte Piña de Camagüey desde enero hasta junio de 2009. El universo quedó constituido por los 370 pacientes sujetos a cirugía ambulatoria y la muestra quedó conformada por los 30 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se analizaron las variables: método anestésico, síntomas postoperatorios, escala de evaluación del dolor y eficacia de la terapéutica. Resultados: la anestesia general endotraqueal prevaleció en el 76,67 por ciento. El dolor postoperatorio se presentó en el 66,67 por ciento. El vómito apareció en el 23,33 por ciento y la náusea en el 10 por ciento de los paciente, estos dos últimos desaparecieron en su totalidad. Todos los pacientes con dolor leve obtuvieron respuesta satisfactoria. Al final del tratamiento se demostró una eficacia terapéutica buena en el 93,33 por ciento. Conclusiones: Se encontró que el dolor fue el síntoma postoperatorio más frecuente. La náusea y el vómito fueron eliminados en su totalidad. La eficacia terapéutica buena se encontró en la mayoría de los pacientes.

Postoperative symptoms in ambulatory pediatric surgery constitute a health problem. Its incidence and utilization of medications, in sensitive patients may be risky. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment in postoperative symptoms like: pain, nausea and vomiting, in ambulatory pediatric surgery. Method: an early phase II clinical trial was conducted, in order to determine the acupuncture´s efficacy of postoperative symptoms in children (10 to 14 years), at the Teaching Provincial Pediatric Hospital Eduardo Agramonte Piña of Camagüey from January to June 2009. The universe was constituted by 370 patients subject to ambulatory surgery and the sample was made up of 30 patients that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Variables analyzed were: anesthetic method, postoperative symptoms, pain evaluation scale and efficacy of therapeutics. Results: the endotracheal general anesthesia prevailed in the 76, 67 percent. The postoperative pain was presented in the 66, 67 percent. Vomiting in the 23, 33 percent and nausea appeared in 10 percent of patients, the last two disappeared completely. All patients with mild pain obtained satisfactory response. A good therapeutic efficacy in the 93, 33 percent was demonstrated at the end of the treatment. Conclusions: the pain was the most frequent postoperative symptom. Nausea and vomiting were eliminated completely.

Eficacia de la acupuntura en el tratamiento de los síntomas postoperatorio en cirugía pediátrica ambulatoria / Acupuncture´s efficacy of postoperative symptoms in ambulatory pediatric surgery

Los síntomas postoperatorios en cirugía pediátrica ambulatoria constituyen un problema de salud. Su incidencia y utilización de medicamentos, en pacientes susceptibles pueden ser riesgosas. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento acupuntural en síntomas postoperatorios: dolor, náuseas y vómitos, en cirugía pediátrica ambulatoria. Método: se realizó un ensayo clínico fase II temprana, para determinar la eficacia acupuntural de síntomas postoperatorios en niños (10 a 14 años), del Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente Eduardo Agramonte Piña de Camagüey desde enero hasta junio de 2009. El universo quedó constituido por los 370 pacientes sujetos a cirugía ambulatoria y la muestra quedó conformada por los 30 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se analizaron las variables: método anestésico, síntomas postoperatorios, escala de evaluación del dolor y eficacia de la terapéutica. Resultados: la anestesia general endotraqueal prevaleció en el 76,67 por ciento. El dolor postoperatorio se presentó en el 66,67 por ciento. El vómito apareció en el 23,33 por ciento y la náusea en el 10 por ciento de los paciente, estos dos últimos desaparecieron en su totalidad. Todos los pacientes con dolor leve obtuvieron respuesta satisfactoria. Al final del tratamiento se demostró una eficacia terapéutica buena en el 93,33 por ciento. Conclusiones: Se encontró que el dolor fue el síntoma postoperatorio más frecuente. La náusea y el vómito fueron eliminados en su totalidad. La eficacia terapéutica buena se encontró en la mayoría de los pacientes (AU)

Postoperative symptoms in ambulatory pediatric surgery constitute a health problem. Its incidence and utilization of medications, in sensitive patients may be risky. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment in postoperative symptoms like: pain, nausea and vomiting, in ambulatory pediatric surgery. Method: an early phase II clinical trial was conducted, in order to determine the acupuncture´s efficacy of postoperative symptoms in children (10 to 14 years), at the Teaching Provincial Pediatric Hospital Eduardo Agramonte Piña of Camagüey from January to June 2009. The universe was constituted by 370 patients subject to ambulatory surgery and the sample was made up of 30 patients that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Variables analyzed were: anesthetic method, postoperative symptoms, pain evaluation scale and efficacy of therapeutics. Results: the endotracheal general anesthesia prevailed in the 76, 67 percent. The postoperative pain was presented in the 66, 67 percent. Vomiting in the 23, 33 percent and nausea appeared in 10 percent of patients, the last two disappeared completely. All patients with mild pain obtained satisfactory response. A good therapeutic efficacy in the 93, 33 percent was demonstrated at the end of the treatment. Conclusions: the pain was the most frequent postoperative symptom. Nausea and vomiting were eliminated completely (AU)

Acción analgésica de la digitopuntura previa al tratamiento estomatológico convencional en las pulpitis agudas / Analgesic action of digitopuncture previous to the conventional stomatological treatment in acute pulpitis

Los pacientes con pulpitis aguda, producto al dolor que las caracteriza, en ocasiones no permiten realizar un tratamiento endodóntico de urgencia satisfactorio. Objetivo: evaluar la acción analgésica de la digitopuntura previo al tratamiento estomatológico convencional en las pulpitis agudas. Método: se realizó un estudio de evaluación, cuasi-experimental de tipo antes y después, en la consulta de urgencias estomatológica del policlínico Previsora desde septiembre de 2008 hasta abril de 2009, el universo de estudio se conformó por los pacientes que acudieron a la consulta con dolor producido por pulpitis aguda, la muestra quedó se integró por 40 pacientes que no habían recibido tratamiento previo. Se evaluó la intensidad del dolor a los 30min y se valoró la cooperación del paciente durante el tratamiento convencional. Resultados: en el 90 por ciento de los casos se evaluó como eficaz el tratamiento realizado y los pacientes refirieron sentirse satisfechos.

Patients with acute pulpitis caused to the pain that characterizes it, in occasions allow carrying out a satisfactory endodontic treatment of urgency. Objective: to evaluate the analgesic action of digitopuncture previous to the conventional stomatological treatment in acute pulpitis. Method: a before and after type quasi-experimental, evaluation study was performed, in the stomatological urgency consultation at Previsora polyclinic from September 2008 to April 2009, the study universe was conformed by patients that came to the consultation with pain caused by acute pulpitis and the sample was integrated by 40 patients who had not received previous treatment. The intensity of pain was evaluated to 30 minutes and patient's cooperation was valued during the conventional treatment. Results: in 90 percent of cases was evaluated as effective the treatment carried out and patients referred to feel satisfied with the treatment received (90 percent).