07 Jun Study Evaluates Electroacupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Pain
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Vincent Chung
Dr Vincent Chung
Assistant Professor, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care
Associate Director (Education), Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine
Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Primary carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common forms of peripheral entrapment neuropathy. It is a major cause of disability on the upper extremity incurring considerable limitation on daily activities among patients. Currently, there is no consensus on appropriate treatment for patients with chronic (≥6 months) mild to moderate symptoms [Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. 2014;95(12):2253-63].
Electroacupuncture is a common technique for managing pain and neuropathy in Chinese medicine. Current CTS treatment guidelines from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) made no specific recommendations for or against electroacupuncture.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Results from our trial provided evidence on the potential benefit of adding electroacupuncture on top of nocturnal splinting among CTS patients with chronic mild to moderate symptoms of longer duration. For these patients, electroacupuncture produces benefits in symptoms, disability, function, dexterity, and pinch strength.
Our data also suggests that splinting alone is inadequate for relieving symptoms and functions in this group of patients, since there were no significant improvements in all outcomes in the splinting group.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline recommends the use of steroid injection if conservative treatment fails to improve symptoms after three months. In this trial all patients did not receive steroid injection, and those who received steroid injection were excluded. Future trials may evaluate the add-on benefit of electroacupuncture on top of steroid injections.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: During electroacupuncture treatment, a weak electric current is passed between two acupuncture needles after insertion. Hence the key difference between regular manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture is the use of electro-simulation. Its use is not uncommon — according to recent an international survey, about 70% of acupuncturists in the West use electroacupuncture [Acupunct Med doi:10.1136/acupmed-2015-010929], and in Asia its use is even more common.
The electroacupuncture protocol evaluated in this trial is a safe procedure that is easily replicable by trained acupuncturists or other qualified professionals. It should be highlighted that electroacupuncture is contraindicated in patients with history of seizure, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, cardiac arrhythmia and those with a cardiac pacemaker.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Vincent C.H. Chung, PhD. Electroacupuncture and splinting versus splinting alone to treat carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ, June 2016 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.151003
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on June 7, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD