• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.65-75
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of indirect moxibustion treatment for HIVD patients. Methods : From March 2010 to December 2010, 32 HIVD patients who admitted to Semyung oriental medical hospital were divided into two groups. Group I was treated by indirect moxibustion and general acupuncture, group II by general acupuncture. We evaluated the treatment effect of each group with the visual analog scale(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI) by dividing three period(from admission day to third day after admission, from third day to sixth day after admission and from sixth day to ninth day after admission). Results : 1. Group I was more effective than group II in VAS score reducing rate at sixth day after admission and ninth day after admission but there was no statistical significance between two groups at third day after admission 2. Group I was more effective than group II in VAS improvement rate from third day to sixth day after admission but there was no statistical significance between two groups from admission day to third day after admission and sixth day to ninth day after admission. 3. Group I was more effective than group II in ODI score reducing rate at sixth day after admission and ninth day after admission but there was no statistical significance between two groups at third day after admission. 4. In ODI improvement rate group I was higher than group II, but there was no statistical significance. Conclusions : Through this research, Indirect moxibustion treatment is considered to be effective reducing pain for HIVD(Herniated intervertebral disc) patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2010

Purpose: Our purpose was to retrospectively analyze clinical results of subpectoral tenodesis of the proximal biceps tendon using an interference screw. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 23 cases of patients receiving tenodesis of the proximal biceps tendon between January 2008 and January 2009 for whom we had follow-up data for at least 1 year. Twenty-three cases were operated on using subpectoral tenodesis; 16 of these cases had a rotator cuff tear. The results were judged using a visual analog scale (VAS), ASES, tenderness on the biceps groove, fixation failure and the degree of deformity (BAD). Results: VAS and ASES scores were significantly improved in all patients by the time of the final observation. There were no significant complications or fixation failures. The patients without a tear of the rotator cuff had a better result than patients with a tear of the rotator cuff, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: In patients with pathology of the long head of the biceps brachii, benefits of subpectoral interference screw tenodesis include pain relief, maintenance of functional biceps, muscle strength, and cosmesis. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis using interference screw fixation appears to be a promising, reproducible, reliable technique for addressing anterior shoulder pain related to pathology of the long head of the biceps brachii.

• Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.957-963
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• 2015

Objective To compare the pain-reducing effect of forest bathing alone versus forest bathing in combination with stretching and strengthening exercises in patients with chronic posterior neck pain. Methods Sixty-four subjects with posterior neck pain that had lasted more than 3 months were enrolled. They were randomly divided into a forest bathing alone (FBA) group and a forest bathing with exercise (FBE) group; each group included 32 subjects. All subjects from both groups walked every morning in the forest for about 2 hours for 5 days. In the afternoon, the FBE group did a stretching and strengthening exercise for about 4 hours; the FBA group had free time in the woods. Visual analog scale (VAS) on one day, VAS over the previous week, neck disability index (NDI), EuroQol 5D-3L VAS (EQ VAS) and index (EQ index), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), the number of trigger points in the posterior neck region (TRPs), and the range of motion of the cervical spine were evaluated on the first and last day of the program and compared between the two groups. Results The number of TRPs were significantly reduced in the FBE group compared with the FBA group (p=0.013). However, the other scales showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion When patients with chronic posterior neck pain underwent a short-term forest bathing (less than 7 days) program, FBE was more effective in the reduction of the number of TRPs than FBA. However, all other pain measurement scales we evaluated showed no statistically significant difference between the two protocols.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.323-338
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• 2022

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral disorder of unknown etiology which presents therapeutic challenges. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been studied as a potential treatment for BMS. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of ALA compared to that of placebo or other interventions in individuals with BMS. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) using ALA to treat BMS were identified from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to February 3, 2021. The assessment of the risk of bias in the included studies was based on the Cochrane guidelines. The primary outcome evaluated was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain intensity. ALA was compared with placebo, clonazepam, gabapentin, pregabalin, ALA plus gabapentin, capsaicin, Biotène^®, and laser therapy. Altogether, 137 records were scanned for inclusion/exclusion, and nine RCTs (two unclear and seven at high risk of bias) were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses, with a total of 594 patients with BMS included in this review. All studies reported an improvement in VAS pain scores ranging from -0.72 to -2.77. Meta-analysis results showed a non-significant reduction in pain intensity for ALA (P = 0.616) compared to that of placebo on a VAS of 0-10. Patients taking ALA were 1.923 times more likely to show an improvement in self-reported BMS symptoms (P = 0.031) than those in the placebo group. Clonazepam and pregabalin showed a significant VAS pain reduction of 4.08 and 4.68 (P < 0.001), respectively, compared to that with ALA. Although ALA intervention provided a non-significant improvement in the pain score and was more likely to produce a reduction in BMS symptoms, the evidence was of low quality. Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for the use of ALA for BMS treatment.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.45-59
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• 2023

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the trends of researches on oriental medicine treatments for supraspinatus tendinopathy. Methods We used five databases for searching researches; Korean studies Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Research Information Sharing Service, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Only randomized controlled trials suitable for the subject were selected. The methodological quality of included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results Twenty randomized controlled trials were analyzed. There were 9 types of treatment interventions; acupuncture, acupotomy, pharmacopuncture, electroacupuncture, fire needling, warming needle, catgut-embedding therapy, herbal medicine, cupping. The most frequently used treatment intervention was acupuncture and acupotomy. There were 9 outcome measurements including visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and range of motion. The most used measurement was VAS. As a result of meta-analysis, acupuncture was more effective than control group in VAS. Additionally, acupotomy was clinically significant compared to control groups in VAS and CMS. Conclusions In this review, we analyzed researches on effectiveness of oriental medicine for supraspinatus tendinopathy. A provisional conclusion can be produced that acupuncture and acupotomy showed beneficial effect to supraspinatus tendinopathy. Although there were some RCT studies, many of them had a high risk of bias, so it is hard to conclude that our study can include overall clinical status. Further well-designed trials are needed.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.173-182
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• 2012

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread pain with a low pain threshold. The aim of this study was to compare two criteria for the diagnosis and assessment of FM and to analyze the correlation and agreement between the 1990 and 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM. Methods: We studied 98 patients who had already been diagnosed as having FM using the 1990 criteria or 2010 preliminary criteria. Tender point examination, FM impact questionnaire (FIQ) and pain visual analog scale (VAS) were obtained. According to the preliminary criteria, FM was quantified as WPI (widespread pain index) and the SS scale (symptom severity) and the two criteria were compared. Results: Among 98 patients, 78.6% of the patients were diagnosed with the 1990 ACR criteria and 93.9% of the patients were diagnosed with the ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria, and there was also significant agreement between the two criteria (P < 0.01). There was a correlation with the WPI and the tender point, with the SS and the FIQ, and with the sum of the WPI and SS and the FIQ. Conclusions: The ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM were in agreement with the 1990 ACR criteria during the disease course. The preliminary criteria were the more sensitive method than the 1990 criteria. In addition, the 2010 criteria might have advantages since it is easy to assess the physical and psychological symptoms and can be quantified. Therefore, the ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM could be used more conveniently for clinical diagnosis and follow up evaluation after starting management of FM.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.205-221
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• 2018

This systematic review aimed to analyze the efficacy of corticosteroid premedication compared to placebo or no treatment to reduce postoperative pain in endodontic patients. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing corticosteroids via oral, intramuscular, subperiosteal, intraligamentary or intracanal route compared to passive or active placebo, or no treatment were included. Four databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase up to 2/21/2018. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Risk of bias tool. Fourteen RCTs with 1,462 generally healthy adults in need of endodontic treatment were included. 50% of the studies were at unclear risk and 50% at high risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain at 4-6 hours after Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) was significantly lower by 21 points (0-100 scale) in the corticosteroid group compared to the control group (95% CI -35 to -7; P = 0.003), however this difference was not statistically significant after 24 hours (P = 0.116). The route of administration was oral and intraligament injection. Patients who received corticosteroids prior to IANB were 70.7% more likely to have none or mild pain 4-8 hours after treatment (P = 0.001) and 13.5% more likely 24 hours after IANB (P = 0.013) than patients in the control group. In conclusion, corticosteroid administration (oral or intraligamental) may clinically reduce the level of postoperative pain at 4-8 hours after IANB, however the quality of the evidence was low/moderate due to risk of bias and heterogeneity. Further studies are recommended.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.37-60
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between masseter and cervical muscle activity and temporomandibular disorder in female office workers. Methods : Experimental group of 24 healthy subjects complained of temporomandibular joint related to computer use which lasted more than 3 months in the past year and was present in the past 7 days as well as on the day of test. Control group of 20 healthy subjects had no complaints of minimal discomfort on the day of test, and had no discomfort in the past 7 days. If they had reported discomfort in the past 12 months, it was of a short duration(<3 months) and resolved at least 3 months prior to participation. Outcomes were assessed by meridian-electromyography(MEMG), whole spin x-ray, mandibular function impairment questionnaire(MFIQ), neck disability index(NDI), visual analog scale(VAS), Beck depression inventory(BDI), stress reaction inventory(SRI) and Holmes & Rahe social readjustment rating scale(SRRS). Results : The contraction power of masseter muscle, upper trapezius, sternocleido-mastoid muscle and erector spinae by MEMG was significantly higher in the experimental group. The muscle fatigue of masseter muscle and sternodeido-mastoid muscle by MEMG was significantly higher in the experimental group. SRI was significantly higher in experimental group. There was no significant difference between two groups in the Jackson's angle, Cobb's method and cranio-cervical posture. Conclusions : The results suggest that temporomandibular disorder related mental stress but physical stress does not change cervical structure significantly.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.132-148
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical features of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine treatment at the Public health center. Methods: The study was conducted among 11 patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome who attended a single public health center from January to December 2022. We retrospectively analyzed the charts of 11 patients and collected clinical characteristics, previous treatments, Korean medicine treatments, outcome variables (Numeral Rating Scale (NRS), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), Visual Analog Scale (VAS)), adverse events, etc. Results: Of the 11 patients, six were women, and the average age of all patients was 68.27±12.31 years. The most common symptom were cough(n=9, 81.82%) and sore throat(n=9, 81.82%), followed by sputum, fatigue, rhinorrhea, and loss of appetite, etc. All 11 patients were treated with herbal medicine, with Samso-eum(n=6, 54.55%), Yeonkyopaedok-san(n=5, 45.45%), and Haengso-tang(n=3, 27.27%) being the most commonly used. After herbal medicine treatment, the median cough NRS decreased from 5 to 1, and the median sore throat NRS decreased from 4 to 1, both of which were statistically significant. One patient reported adverse event of dyspepsia and heartburn, but it was mild. Conclusions: The study presented the clinical features of the post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and suggested that Korean medicine treatment at public health centers may be effective and safe in alleviating associated symptoms.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1193-1199
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• 2001

Objectives : The goal of operation for degenerative lumbar diseases is to relieve radiculopathy and low back pain and to prevent further degeneration. The authors analyzed the surgical results of posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) and $0^{\circ}$ fixation to evaluate the proper treatment policy in spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis and low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. Material and Methods : The authors performed PLIF on 92 patients and $0^{\circ}$ fixation on 138 patients with spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis and low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. We retrospectively studied clinical outcomes and subjective satisfaction of these patients by several criteria such as visual analog scale(VAS), Prolo's economic and functional outcome scale, medication usage after operation and questionaire for overall outcome. Result : Pre- and postoperative VAS on back pain and leg pain showed decrease of pain from 6.5, 6.7 to 2.2, 2.4 in PLIF group and from 7.0, 7.2 to 2.5, 2.7 in $0^{\circ}$ fixation group. Excellent and good outcomes on Prolo's scale were 81.5% in PLIF group and 82.6% in $0^{\circ}$ fixation group. Medication usage after operation was reduced in 79.3% of PLIF group and in 78.3% of $0^{\circ}$ fixation group. Patients' self-reported overall success of their procedure showed 82% in PLIF group and 84% in $0^{\circ}$ fixation group. Conclusion : Both PLIF and $0^{\circ}$ fixation showed good outcomes and provided biomechanically stable fusion in spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis and low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. Therefore, only PLIF seems necessary and considered a proper surgical treatment for these disorders.