The Benefit of a Mechanical Needle Stimulation Pad in Patients with Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain: Two Randomized Controlled Pilot Studies. (11th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hohmann, Claudia; Ullrich, Isabella; Lauche, Romy; Choi, Kyung-Eun; Lüdtke, Rainer; Rolke, Roman; Cramer, Holger; Saha, Felix Joyonto; Rampp, Thomas; Michalsen, Andreas; Langhorst, Jost; Dobos, Gustav; Musial, Frauke
• Other Names: Lao Lixing Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-09-11
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/753583
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives . The objective was to investigate whether a treatment with a needle stimulation pad (NSP) changes perceived pain and/or sensory thresholds in patients with chronic neck (NP) and lower back pain (BP). Methods . 40 patients with chronic NP and 42 patients with chronic BP were equally randomized to either treatment or waiting list control group. The treatment group self-administered a NSP over a period of 14 days. Pain ratings were recorded on numerical rating scales (NRSs). Mechanical detection thresholds (MDTs) and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were determined at the site of maximal pain and in the adjacent region, vibration detection thresholds (VDT) were measured at close spinal processes. The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were utilized for the NP and BP study, respectively. Results . NRS ratings were significantly reduced for the treatment groups compared to the control groups (NP: P = . 021 and BP: P < . 001 ), accompanied by a significant increase of PPT at pain maximum (NP: P = . 032 and BP: P = . 013 ). There was no effect on VDT and MDT. The NPQ showed also a significant improvement, but not the ODI. Conclusions . The mechanical NSP seems to be an effective treatment method for chronic NP and BP.