Quantitative Acupuncture: A Therapeutic And Diagnostic Tool in Myofascial Syndromes

Abstract

Background: The technique and theory of quantitative acupuncture (QAc) have been described for myofascial pain syndromes, specifically the piriformis syndrome. When persistent abnormal denervation potentials (trains of fibrillations, positive sharp waves, or complex repetitive discharges) are identified by standard electromyography and silenced by QAc, pain relief has been reported as immediate and lasting. Objective: To evaluate the peroneal F-wave latency and synchronicity in piriformis syndrome. Design, Setting, and Patients: Four cases of piriformis syndrome were evaluated before and after QAc. Peroneal F-wave latency and synchronicity and tibial H-reflex amplitude and latency were evaluated in another case of piriformis syndrome. Median nerve amplitude and F-wave responses were evaluated in a case of proximal median neuropathy. Main Outcome Measures: Nerve conduction velocity and delayed responses. Results: In all of the cases presented, post-QAc data showed objective normalization in one or more neurophysiologic parameters measured by nerve conduction velocity techniques. Conclusions: We propose that QAc is a useful tool to quantitatively study and treat various myofascial syndromes. Implications regarding the pathophysiology of piriformis syndrome are discussed.