• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.223-233
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• 2004

Objective: As a manual accupucture method, the twirling-needle treatment has been known more effective in relieving pain than the conventional simple accupuncture treatment. Finding a proper treatment condition is difficult because of the lack of a quantative measurement of the alleviation of pain made by acupuncture. In this research, the authors propose the use of infrared thermal images in a formalin test to quantatively verify the effect of twirling. Methods: After injecting 10%~20% formalin into the tail of rats, the infrared thermal images(ITI) have been obtained to estimate the thermal distribution caused by inflammation. The authors propose a processing method to measure the thermal distribution from the thermal images obtained from the infrared camera as a pain model of the formalin test. Results: The pain model obtained from the infrared thermal image has two phases. The first phase, which is a transient period, is the initial 20 minutes when the pain is developed after the formalin injection. The second phase, which is a steady state, is where the development of pain lasts for 60 minutes or more after the first stage. This characteristic of the proposed model based on ITI is consistent with that of the pain model reported by other researchers whose works are based on the time-course of flinching and licking/biting, following a different concentration of formalin. It is noticed that the response of the thermal distribution obtained from ITI shows very high correlation to the behavioral response in the formalin test performed by Kazuhiro Okuda and four others5). In addition, the authors propose an ITI method to determine the pain-reducing effect of the acupuncture. The thermal distribution obtained from the experiment shows that there is significant pain reducing effect made by the twirling-needle method.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.37-45
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• 2018

Background: Posterior-anterior (PA) vertebral mobilization, a manual therapy technique has been used for relieving pain or stiffness treating in spinal segment for in clinical practice, however evidence to gauge efficacy is yet to be synthesised. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of PA mobilization of the thoracic spine on the respiratory function in patients with low back pain (LBP). Methods: The study participants included 30 patients with chronic LBP. They were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. The experimental and control groups received PA mobilization of the T1-T8 level of the thoracic spine and placebo mobilization, respectively. All patients received interventions for 35 minutes a day, five times a week, over 2-week period, respectively. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow 25~75% ($FEF_{25{\sim}75%}$), and chest wall expansion were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test and two-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation analysis was used to compare the correlation between respiratory function and chest measurement. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in FVC, $FEV_1$, PEF, $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}$ (p<.05), and chest wall expansion (p<.05) compared with the control group. Conclusion: PA mobilization of the upper thoracic spine may be beneficial for improving respiratory function parameters including FVC, $FEV_1$, PEF, $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}$, and chest wall expansion in patients with chronic LBP.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.128-141
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the pain relief effect of lower abdomen warmer on primary dysmenorrhea patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and whether the using of warmer can supplement or replace the drugs. Methods: 30 women with primary dysmenorrhea were assigned to treatment group (n=15) and control group (n=15). At 1st visit, the treatment group was provided with a wirless multiuse warmer and trained to use at least three times per menstrual cycle. The control group was not provided with the warmer, and both groups were provided with a menstrual diary and instructed to record their pain intensity and dose of analgesic every menstrual period. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess the intensity of overall pain and the most severe pain during the menstrual period. And the total number of analgesic taken during menstruation and the average number of analgesic taken during a single dose were measured. Results: There was significant pain relief in the treatment group compared to before baseline, and there was a significant difference from the control group. In addition, there was no significant difference in the frequency of taking analgesic during the menstrual period between the treatment group and the control group, but the dose of analgesic was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. Conclusions: This clinical trial showed that lower abdomen warmer would helpful in relieving primary dysmenorrhea and could help reduce the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2001

Background: Sympathetic blocks with local anesthetics are used to differentiate sympathetically- maintained pain (SMP) from sympathetically-independent pain (SIP). However, systemic lidocaine is also used in the management of neuropathic pain. Therefore, there may be possibility of a false positive response in relieving their pain by systemic absorption of lidocaine following a diagnostic sympathetic block in patients with SIP. In this study, we measured the plasma lidocaine concentrations after a stellate ganglion block (SGB) using three volumes of 1% lidocaine. Methods: This prospective, crossover study was performed in 3 patients who experience sudden hearing loss and in 4 volunteers. Each person received SGB three times using three different volumes (6 ml, 12 ml and 16 ml) of 1% lidocaine at one week intervals. SGB was performed using a 23 G butterfly needle via a paratracheal approach by two persons. Two ml of venous blood was obtained from a prepared contra-lateral sided venous route at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20 and 60 min after SGB. Plasma lidocaine level was analyzed by immunoassay. Results: Mean plasma lidocaine concentrations correlated well with the volumes of 1% lidocaine used in SGB; larger volumes showed higher concentrations (P < 0.01). Mean peak plasma concentrations were $1.08{\pm}0.18$ in 6 ml, $1.90{\pm}0.47$ in the 12 ml and $2.74{\pm}0.67{\mu}g/ml$ in the 16 ml groups (P < 0.01). The mean time to reach peak plasma concentration was not significantly different between the three groups. Conclusions: The peak plasma lidocaine concentrations in SGB using large volume were found to be similar to that of IV lidocaine infusion in the management of neuropathic pain. These data suggest that diagnostic sympathetic block may result in many false positive responses for SMP. Part of its effect may be related to systemic local anesthetic absorption and not to a sympathetic block. Therefore, physicians may be required to use optimal volumes and minimal concentration of local anesthetic in diagnostic sympathetic block procedures and also make a careful assessment of the performance of a permanent sympathetic block.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.219-228
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• 2014

Objectives: This paper was aimed to investigate the adhesion control standards of pain relieving patch (PRP) drugs and to survey it's adverse effects on the skin of patients for safe use of PRP drugs. Methods: In this study, the related documents of PRP drugs of Korea pharmacopoeia (KP), United States pharmacopoeia (USP), Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP), European pharmacopoeia (EP), and information web sites of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) were surveyed. Also, the past and current labeling of PRP drugs marketed in the pharmacy was investigated and compared. Results: In KP and JP, the lower limit standard for PRP's adhesion control is established, but the upper limit standard is not designated. In USP and EP, neither the lower nor upper limit standard is established. The main reasons of skin adverse effects are considered as inherent adverse reactions of the applied drugs for PRP. Another reason is involved in patient's medication mistakes related to PRP's adhesion control, respiratory depression of skin according to physical skin closure, and microbial growth, etc. Conclusion: For safe use of PRP drugs, we proposed ensured guidelines like additional instructions of pharmacist's prescription and detailed labeling systems for usage of PRP drugs applied on skin.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.126-131
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• 2018

This study investigates the effect of a combination of homeopathic medicine and electro- acupuncture in two patients with breast cancer and severe liver disease who could not receive standard anaesthesia therapy due to liver problems. Specifically, measurable and quantifiable parameters were used to evaluate whether an integrated approach-consisting of electro- acupuncture and a homeopathic medicine diluted above Avogadro's limit (that is, above a potency of 12CH) during the pre-surgical, surgical and post-surgical phases -can improve general well-being of a patient undergoing breast cancer surgery. In breast cancer surgery, we employed an integrated approach consisting of induction with hypnotics and muscle relaxants, followed by maintenance with anaesthetic gas, combined with a homeopathic treatment (Arnica montana 15CH and Apis mellifica 15CH) before and after surgery and an electro- acupuncture treatment performed in the pre- and post-surgical phases without any analgesic/pain relieving medications. Both of the patients treated with the integrated approach improved their overall condition without need for other common pain relieving medicines. Additionally, thanks to their rapid awakening, the patients were not relocated to a protected area and the hospitalization was shorter. A multidisciplinary approach incorporating homeopathic medicine and electro-acupuncture can be a solution for patients who need or ask about a different and/or safer alternative to the standard treatment. This approach can offer a safe, much less expensive, non-invasive and viable alternative for such cases. Moreover it can be useful for an opioids free anesthesia.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.26-36
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to overview the studies of acupuncture treatment for vulvodynia. Methods: In order to investigate the effect of acupuncture treatment for vulvodynia, we searched relevant studies in Pubmed, Cochrane, Oasis, KISS up to October 2018. After searching studies, we analyzed selected studies. Results: Six studies were included in this review. There were 3 randomized controlled studies and 3 before and after studies. The outcome measurement of vulvodynia was divided into pain, sexual function, and quality of life. The acupuncture treatment was effective in relieving vulvar pain, dyspareunia and improving quality of life. Conclusions: This study shows that acupuncture treatment is one of effective treatment methods for vulvodynia. Further large randomized placebo controlled trials will be needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2018

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture(EA) and radio-frequency warm needling(RFWN) stimulation in acupoint combination on ankle sprained pain in rats. Methods : The lateral ligaments of the Sprague-Dawley rats ankle were injured surgically resulting in sprain, of which was divided into EA, RFWN treatment groups and control group without treatment. The level of pain was measured through foot weight bearing force ratio followed by calculating pain relief. To stimulate proximal or distal area in ankle sprain, combination of proximal acupoints(GB34-GB39) and distal acupoints(GB39-GB42) from sprain area were applied, respectively, to either EA or RFWN stimulation. In addition, naltrexone or phentolamine was injected intraperitoneally before the stimulation to observe the pathway of analgesic effects. Results : In the proximal combination of GB34-GB39, EA and RFWN significantly increased pain relief compared to the control group (p<0.05). However, in distal combination with GB39-GB42, both EA and RFWN stimulation did not relieve pain due to ankle sprains. In the combination of GB34-GB39, the analgesia of EA was inhibited by blockade of the ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptor receptor. The analgesia of RFWN was inhibited by blockade of the ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptor receptor as well as ${\mu}$-opioid receptor. Conclusions : We observed that the proximal combination was effective in relieving pain when the treatment by acupoint combination was applied to the ankle sprain pain. Also, it was confirmed that this analgesia was also related to the pathways of ${\mu}$-opioid receptors and/or ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptors.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.107-116
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• 2022

Background: Pain during fixed orthodontic treatment can have a detrimental effect on patient treatment compliance. To overcome this, there is a definite need to establish the best pain-relieving methods suitable for orthodontic patients in terms of efficacy and use. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of chewing gum and pre-emptive tenoxicam on pain after initial archwire placement and to evaluate the pain perceptions of orthodontic patients in the two groups while performing various functions at specific time intervals. Methods: Forty-two patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups: group A (chewing gum) and group B (pre-emptive tenoxicam). Pain perception was documented by patients immediately; at 4 h; at bedtime on the day of archwire placement; the next morning; at 24 h; and at bedtime on the 2nd, 3rd, and 7th day after the initial archwire placement. Pain scores were noted during fitting of the posterior teeth, biting, and chewing using a visual analog scale. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Group A showed a significant increase in pain until the next morning while fitting the posterior teeth, biting, and chewing [36.2, 52.0, 33.4, respectively]], followed by a gradual decrease by the 7th day. Group B showed a significant increase in pain at bedtime on biting, with a peak value of 47.5. Pain on chewing, fitting posterior teeth, peaked the morning of the next day (100.0, 45.0). The Freidman test showed a statistically significant difference with a p-value of < 0.01. Higher pain scores were observed while chewing and biting compared with that while fitting the posterior teeth in both groups. The overall comparison of pain control between the two groups was not statistically significant [P > 0.05] between the two groups. Conclusions: Chewing gum was not inferior to pre-emptive tenoxicam. Thus, chewing gum is a non-pharmacological alternative to analgesics for orthodontic pain control that eliminates the chance of adverse reactions and can be used in the absence of adult observation.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.120-132
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine clinical studies on the treatment of dysmenorrhea treatments and analyze the results to provide sufficient evidence to provide adequate evidence of the efficacy of the ear-acupuncture treatment on dysmenorrhea patients. Methods: The search for foreign papers used 'Pubmed', a research engine in the America National Library of Medicine. Used searching terms were 'dysmenorrhea' and 'menstrual pain' in all cases. And among these studies, we searched by using key word 'auricular acupuncture' or 'ear acupuncture' or 'auricular acupressure' or 'ear acupressure'. Results: Overall 53 studies, 7 studies were finally selected to this study. There was 1 controlled study, 3 clinical trials, and 3 randomized-control studies. About acupoints in study, the endocrine was used in all 7 papers. Internal genitals, shenmen, sympathesis, kidney, liver were used in 4 papers, central rim, hypo-cortex, uterus were used in 2 papers, central of cymba auriculae was used in 2 paper. In 4 papers, the effect of ear acupuncture treatment was effective in relieving menstrual pain. Moreover, we can see that ear acupuncture therapy was effective in reducing menstrual pain than in oriental herb medicine. Conclusions: As a result of the 7 papers, we found that patients with menstrual pain decreased after ear acupuncture therapy. However, there was little research and it was limited to achieving the results of the analysis. A vigorous clinical study should be conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of ear acupuncture therapy and standardize treatment methods.