Trigger Point Acupuncture (Dry Needling) and Associated Fecal Incontinence in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Background: Fecal incontinence is a recognized manifestation of the many neurologic impairments associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). This case report examines fecal incontinence in a patient with MS seeking dry needling (or trigger point acupuncture) treatment. Case: A patient with well-controlled MS presented for treatment of a painful musculoskeletal condition using acupuncture and trigger-point dry needling to the lumbar, gluteal, and cervical myofascial trigger points. Fecal incontinence and symptoms of “cotton wool” legs occurred 10 minutes after the dry-needling session; the patient subsequently experienced “heavy legs” from the knees down bilaterally, necessitating a short course of prednisone to settle symptoms. Reports in MS patients linked with fecal incontinence and acupuncture are reviewed. Results: The possible role of dry needling in altering inflammatory neuropeptide levels, autonomic homeostasis, and synchronous neural control of the pelvic floor, thereby compounding the exist...