Research: SUEN and others,

Listed in Issue 144

Abstract

SUEN and others, The Nethersole School of Nursing, Esther Lee Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, lornasuen@cuhk.edu.hk, have examined ear acupressure for low back pain.

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of auriculotherapy (ear acupressure) using magnetic pellets for elderly patients suffering from low back pain.

Methodology

60 participants who were 60 years old or more and had been suffering from low back pain were recruited. In a randomized controlled design, participants were randomly allocated to receive auriculotherapy on a 3-week basis using either Semen Vaccariae (control group=30) or magnetic pellets (experimental group=30). 7 auricular acupoints that are believed to have an effect on low back pain were selected. Treatment effects were evaluated using the Chinese Pain Intensity Verbal Rating scale (VRS).

Results

The experimental group experienced a significant improvement in pain relief when compared with the control group; and the therapeutic effects were sustained at 2 and 4-week follow-up periods after the therapy.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate that auriculotherapy using magnetic pellets significantly reduces the pain intensity level of elderly patients suffering from non-specific low back pain.

References

Suen LK, Wong TK, Chung JW, Yip VY. Auriculotherapy on low back pain in the elderly. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 13 (1): 63-69, Feb 2007.

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