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Research: KOENIG and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 106
Abstract
KOENIG and co-workers, Orthopedische Klinik, Klinik am Eichert, Goeppingen, Germany, A.Koenig@kae.de, have conducted a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture in chronic neck pain.
Background
The aim of the study was to compare the effect of acupuncture on the range of motion of the neck in patients with chronic neck pain with the effect of 'sham' laser acupuncture and conventional massage.
Methodology
177 patients with chronic neck pain were randomized to either acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or massage. Patients received 5 treatments over 3 weeks. The range of motion was measured.
Results
The largest increase in the range of cervical motion was found 14 day after acupuncture. Compared to massage, a significant increase in the range of motion was found immediately and 1 week after treatment. Compared to sham acupuncture, there were no significant differences.
Conclusion
The results indicate that acupuncture is better than massage, although no better than placebo acupuncture, for the treatment of chronic neck pain. Because of its high acceptance and few side effects, it can be recommended.
References
Koening A, Radke S, Molzen H, Haase M, Mueller C, Drexler D, Natalis M, Krauss M, Behrens N, Irnich D. Randomised trial of acupuncture compared with conventional massage and 'sham' laser acupuncture for treatment of chronic neck pain – range of motion analysis. Zeitschrift fuer Orthopaedie und ihre Grenzgebiete 141 (4): 395-400, Jul-Aug 2003.
