An international study in The Journal of Alternative and Contemporary Medicine has found that microcurrent point simulation can relieve chronic neck pain. The team, which included both American and British researchers, looked at how applying microcurrents to acupuncture points in the lower back can affect neck pain.
Acupuncture and microcurrent stimulation have both been used in treating chronic pain; however, there is little evidence on its ability to manage neck pain.
In the study, the team used a cohort analysis to interpret outcomes both before and after microcurrent stimulation. The researchers involved 34 patients for the trial, all of whom have a history of non-specific back pain.
During the trials, the patients were assigned to therapists who have attended educational seminars on the practice. The patients were then asked to rate their pain levels both before the application and after 48 hours.
Direct microcurrent point stimulation was applied to acupuncture points on the lower back. These were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.
The patients were first measured before undergoing the trial, then tested twice after therapy.
Patients reported a significant decrease in pain intensity after protocol treatment. In particular, those who underwent microcurrent point simulation had reduced their pain by 68 percent, compared to initial pain levels. Total average pain relief level noted to be 80 percent.
The researchers concluded that microcurrent point stimulation could provide a positive outcome for those affected by chronic neck pain.
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Journal Reference:
Armstrong K, Gokal R, Chevalier A, Todorsky W, Lim M. Microcurrent Point Stimulation Applied to Lower Back Acupuncture Points for the Treatment of Nonspecific Neck Pain. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1 April 2017;23(4):295–299. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0313