366 Is acupuncture effective in treating symphysiolysis?

Abstract

To assess whether acupuncture can decrease symphysiolysis pain and improve functioning in pregnant women with symphysiolysis The study was prospective, randomized, controlled, crossover and observer-blind. Forty of the recruited 56 women with symphysiolisis completed the study. Mean age was 30.1 years (SD 5.13); they were at 24 weeks’ gestation or later (mean 31.1 weeks, SD 5.8); tested positive for straight-leg elevation (SLE); and had pain/sensitivity >5 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).Using a randomized list, the acupuncturist performed real or sham acupuncture (RA or SA). 30 minutes later, the women scored their pain. Improvement under 3 NRS points was defined as failure. Patients were crossed over for the next treatment — those previously given RA receiving SA, and vice versa. Women who scored improvement above 3 points were defined as treatment responders, and continued the same treatment. The main outcome measure was change in pain intensity, assessed by NRS from baseline to treatment end. Secondary outcomes were Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire(MODQ) values In baseline values (NRS=7.0 SD), reduced pain intensity was significantly greater for RA than SA (3.5 vs. 6.5, p<0.001). Baseline mean MODQ was 46.7 ± 23.3 in the SA group; 24 hours after the first SA treatment, it was 60.6 ± 13.1 (p=0.19). Pre-treatment mean MODQ in the RA group was 57.3 ± 18.7; 24 hours after the first RA treatment, it was 40.5 ± 12.8 (p=0.01). In pregnant women with symphysiolysis acupuncture is an effective therapeutic approach to decreasing pelvic pain and improving daily functioning.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)