Extracción dentaria con analgesia acupuntural / Dental extraction acupuntural analgesia

Se realizó un estudio de intervención terapéutica durante el periodo comprendido de junio de 2015 a junio de 2016 en 29 pacientes que presentaron necesidad de extracción dentaria en la Clínica Estomatológica "Ramón Guevara Montano" de Baracoa, Guantánamo, con la finalidad de evaluar la evolución clínica de dichos pacientes con esta técnica de tratamiento. Los pacientes fueron incluidos en la muestra según el orden de recepción luego de su consentimiento informado. Se utilizaron las variables: dolor, limpieza del campo operatorio, complicaciones post extracción dentaria y reparación tisular. La evolución clínica de los pacientes fue satisfactoria(AU)

A study of therapeutic intervention was conducted during the period from June 2015 to June 2016 in 29 patients who presented a need for tooth extraction at the "Ramón Guevara Montano" Stomatology Clinic in Baracoa, Guantanamo, The patients were included in the sample according to the reception order after their informed consent. The variables were used: pain, cleaning of the operative field, complications after tooth extraction and tissue repair. The clinical evolution of the patients was satisfactory(AU)

Golpe del espolón calcáneo complementado con electroacupuntura / Calcaneal spur shockwave complemented with electroacupuncture

El síntoma más importante del espolón calcáneo es el dolor, que se agrava con la carga estando el paciente parado o caminando; localizado en la zona del talón y de rara irra­diación. Se hace presentación de caso: mujer de 47 años de edad, sobrepeso, larga estancia de pie laborando en una cafetería, con espolón calcáneo y la descripción técnica de un único golpe en región plantar, complementado con electroacupuntura por su efecto analgésico y antiinflamatorio. La técnica se aplica por personal calificado y especializado de salud pública(AU)

The most important symptom of the calcaneal spur is pain, which worsening with the weight charge as the patients is standing up or walking; located in the heel area and of rare irradiation. Case presentation: women of 47 years of age, overweight, long time standing up as she works in a cafeteria, with a calcaneal spur and the technical description of an only plantar region shockwave, complemented with electroacupuncture for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The technique was applied by the qualified and specialized public health personal(AU)

Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture are as effective as morphine or carprofen for postoperative analgesia in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy

ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To investigate the analgesic effect of acupuncture (AP) or micro-dose pharmacopuncture (PA), using carprofen or morphine, in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). METHODS: Thirty five dogs were randomly assigned to five groups after sedation with acepromazine IM: AP, 0.5 mg.kg-1 of morphine subcutaneously (SC), 4 mg.kg-1 of carprofen SC, and PA with 0.05 mg.kg-1 of morphine or 0.4 mg.kg-1 of carprofen. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Pain was assessed after OHE by a blind observer for 24h, by dynamic visual analogue scale (DIVAS), Glasgow (CMPS-SF), Melbourne (UMPS) and Colorado University pain scale (CSU). Animals reaching 33% of the UMPS score received rescue analgesia with morphine IM. Non parametric data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis or Friedman tests where applicable, followed by Dunn´s test. Parametric data were analysed by two way ANOVA, followed by Tukey test. RESULTS: There were no differences among groups in number of rescue analgesia. Except for the DIVAS score where animals treated with morphine had the lowest score compared with AP and carprofen, at 1h after surgery, there were no other differences among groups. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture or pharmacopuncture were equally effective as morphine or carprofen to control postoperative pain in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Orthodontic post-adjustment pain control with acupuncture

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of systemic acupuncture therapy on the pain caused after orthodontic adjustments. METHODS: An initial sample of 30 orthodontic patients with fixed appliances monthly adjusted was selected; however, only 11 participants completed the study. For this reason, final sample comprised these patients' data only. Initially, average pain levels were assessed at different periods by means of an analogue visual scale (VAS) for three months without acupuncture. In the following three months, the volunteers were submitted to systemic acupuncture sessions on Hegu (LI4) and Jiache (St6) points,before orthodontic adjustments were carried out. RESULTS: Results revealed statistically significant reduction in pain level indexes both for men (P = 0.030) and women (P = 0.028) when acupuncture therapy was performed prior to orthodontic adjustment. Patients did not present any side effects. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is a safe and effective method in reducing orthodontic post-adjustment pain. .

OBJETIVO: o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a eficácia analgésica da acupuntura sistêmica, realizada previamente, sob a dor oriunda pós-ajuste ortodôntico. MÉTODOS: uma amostra de 30 indivíduos usuários de aparelhos fixos foi selecionada, os quais tinham de ser ajustados mensalmente. Contudo, somente 11 participantes completaram o estudo, e somente os seus dados foram coletados e analisados. A princípio, foi realizada uma média do índice de dor, em diferentes períodos, por meio de uma escala analógica visual (EAV), por três meses, sem a utilização da acupuntura. Nos três meses seguintes, os voluntários foram submetidos a sessões de acupuntura sistêmica nos pontos Hegu (IG4) e Jiache (E6), previamente ao ajuste ortodôntico. A média dos resultados do índice de dor com e sem acupuntura foram comparados. RESULTADOS: os resultados demonstraram que houve redução estatisticamente significativa no índice geral de dor, tanto para os homens (p = 0,030) quanto para as mulheres (p = 0,028), após a utilização da acupuntura previamente ao ajuste, e nenhum voluntário apresentou efeitos adversos. CONCLUSÃO: conclui-se que os pontos de acupuntura utilizados são eficientes e seguros na redução da dor pós-ajuste ortodôntico. .

Acupuntura: efecto analgésico agudo en pacientes con dolor osteoarticular / Acupuncture: acute analgesic effect in patients with osteoarticular pain

Se realizó un estudio longitudinal descriptivo con el objetivo de evidenciar los efectos analgésicos inmediatos de la acupuntura en el dolor crónico osteoarticular. Material y métodos: Pacientes con discopatías lumbares y cervicales, tratados mediante acupunturaen CUDAM durante el año 2012, fueron evaluados mediante la Escala Numérica Verbal(ENV) antes y luego de 45 a 60 minutos de tratamiento. Agujas de 30 x 3 mm fueron aplicadas por técnica intradérmica en puntos tradicionales de acupuntura y en Trigger Points localizados por palpación. Resultados: Treinta y ocho (38) pacientes entre 21 y 71 años fueron tratados mensualmente con acupuntura entre enero y noviembre, con un total de 791 procedimientos. Conclusiones: La acupuntura mostró un efecto analgésico agudo, aplicada al dolor crónico osteoarticular, con un descenso significativo del EVN...

Electroanalgesia for the postoperative control pain in dogs / Eletroanalgesia para o controle da dor pós-operatória em cães

PURPOSE: To evaluate the analgesic and neuroendocrine effects of electroanalgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Eighteen dogs were randomly distributed to three groups of six animals each and received either electrical stimuli at acupuncture points (EA), at peri-incisional dermatomes (DER) and at both acupuncture points and peri-incisional dermatomes (EAD). Pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.05mg kg-1, IV). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 to 5mg kg-1, IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Postoperatively pain degree was measured using a numerical rating scale. Dogs were scored at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperative. If the pain score was ≥6, supplemental morphine (0.5mg kg-1, IM) was administered. Serum cortisol concentration was measured before pre-anesthetic medication (basal), and at 1, 12 and 24 hours postoperative. RESULTS: EA and EAD- treated dogs had lower pain scores than DER treated dogs one hour postoperatively. Fewer EA and EAD-treated dogs required rescue analgesia. Serum cortisol did not differ among treatments. CONCLUSION: Preoperative application of electrical stimuli to acupuncture points isolated or in combination with peri-incisional dermatomes provides a reduced postoperative opioid requirement and promotes an effective analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohyterectomy.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos analgésicos e neuroendócrinos da eletroanalgesia em cadelas encaminhadas para ovariossalpingohisterectomia. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 18 cadelas, distribuídas aleatoriamente em três tratamentos de seis animais cada: aplicação de estímulo elétrico em pontos de acupuntura (EA), em dermátomos periincisionais (DER) e em pontos de acupuntura associados aos dermátomos periincisionais (EAD). Todos os animais foram tranquilizados com acepromazina (0,05mg kg-1, IV), seguindo-se a indução com propofol (4 a 5mg kg-1, IV) e manutenção anestésica com isofluorano. O grau de analgesia foi avaliado 1, 3, 6, 12 e 24 horas após a cirurgia mediante escala descritiva numérica. Animais com escores ≥6 receberam analgesia de resgate com morfina (0,5mg kg-1, IM). A concentração sérica de cortisol foi avaliada antes da tranquilização, 1, 12 e 24 horas após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Escores inferiores de dor foram observados nos tratamentos EA e EAD em relação ao DER na primeira hora pós-operatória. A analgesia de resgate foi menos requerida nos animais dos tratamentos EA e EAD. O cortisol não diferiu entre os tratamentos. CONCLUSÃO: A eletroestimulação de acupontos isolados ou associados aos dermátomos periincisionais reduz o requerimento pós-operatório de opioides, bem como confere efetiva analgesia para cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia.

Electroacupuncture versus morphine for the postoperative control pain in dogs / Eletroacupuntura versus morfina para o controle da dor pós-operatória em cães

PROPOSE: To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of electroacupuncture, morphine or sham acupuncture in dogs undergoing mastectomy. METHODS: Thirty client-owed dogs undergoing to mastectomy were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 animals each and received either morphine (T-M), the electroacupuncture (T-EA) or sham procedure (T-Sham). Pre-anesthetic medication was acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1, IM). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 to 5 mg kg-1, IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Postoperatively pain degree was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Dogs were scored at 1, 3, 6 and 12 hours post-extubation. If the pain score was ≥6, supplemental morphine was administered. Serum cortisol concentration was measured before pre-anesthetic medication, at 45 minutes after the anesthetic induction, and at 1, 3 and 6 hours post-extubation. RESULTS: The pain score did not differ among the treatments, but rescue analgesia was lower in the T-EA group (2 of 10 dogs), when compared with T-Sham (6 of 10 dogs) and T-M (6 of 10 dogs) groups. Serum cortisol concentration did not differ among the treatments. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture reduces the postoperative analgesic requirement and promotes satisfactory analgesia in dogs undergoing mastectomy.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o efeito analgésico pós-operatório mediado pela aplicação de morfina, eletroacupuntura ou pontos falsos de acupuntura em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia. MÉTODOS: Trinta cadelas encaminhadas para mastectomia foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em três grupos de dez animais cada, sendo tratadas com morfina (T-M), eletroacupuntura (T-EA) ou pontos falsos de acupuntura (T-sham). A medicação pré-anestésica (MPA) foi realizada com acepromazina (0,05 mg kg-1, IM), seguindo-se a indução e manutenção anestésica com propofol (4 a 5 mg kg-1, IV) e isofluorano, respectivamente. O grau de analgesia foi avaliado 1, 3, 6 e 12 horas após a extubação traqueal, empregandose a escala descritiva numérica. Animais, cujos escores foram ≥6 receberam analgesia de resgate com morfina (0,5 mg kg-1, IM). A concentração sérica de cortisol foi avaliada antes da MPA, aos 45 minutos após a indução anestésica e 1, 3 e 6 horas após a extubação traqueal. RESULTADOS: O escore de dor não variou entre os tratamentos, porém a analgesia resgate foi menos frequente no T-EA (2 de 10 animais), em relação ao T-sham (6 de 10 animais) e ao T-M (6 de 10 animais). CONCLUSÃO: A eletroacupuntura reduz o requerimento analgésico pós-operatório e confere analgesia satisfatória em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia.

Analgesia acupuntural de la sacrolumbalgia con ventosas de bambú / Acupuncture analgesia of the low back pain with bamboo cups

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 56 pacientes con sacrolumbalgia, atendidos en la Unidad Presupuestada Asistencial del poblado de Boniato de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2008 hasta septiembre de 2009, a fin de valorar los resultados de la analgesia acupuntural con ventosas de bambú para aliviar ese agudo dolor. Se halló que los más afectados por ese síntoma fueron los hombres, las personas de 25-35 y 58-68 años y los integrantes de la casuística que padecían ese cuadro clínico como consecuencia de artrosis y esfuerzo físico inadecuado. Este procedimiento milenario resultó económico, eficaz y seguro, pues calmó el dolor y permitió que los pacientes recobraran la marcha con el mínimo de complicaciones.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 56 patients with low back pain attended in the Care Budget Unit from Boniato neighborhood in Santiago de Cuba, from January 2008 to September 2009, in order to evaluate the results of the acupuncture analgesia with bamboo cups to alleviate that acute pain. It was found that those most affected by this symptom were men, people between 25-35 and 58-68 years and patients of the case material that had this clinical condition due to osteoarthritis and inappropriate physical effort. This millenarian procedure was economical, effective and safe, because it relieved the pain and allowed patients to recover walking with minimal complications.

Analgesic Mechanism of Electroacupuncture in an Arthritic Pain Model of Rats: A Neurotransmitter Study

PURPOSE: We investigated what kinds of neurotransmitters are related with electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia in an arthritic pain model of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred rats were assigned to six groups: control, EA, opioid, adrenergic, serotonin and dopamine group. A standardized model of inflammatory arthritis was produced by injecting 2% carrageenan into the knee joint cavity. EA was applied to an acupoint for 30 min in all groups except fo the control group. In the opioid, adrenergic, serotonin and dopamine groups, each receptor antagonist was injected intraperitoneally to their respective group before initiating EA. RESULTS: In the opioid receptor antagonist group, adrenergic receptor antagonist group, serotonin receptor antagonist group, dopamine receptor antagonist group and the control group weight-bearing force decreased significantly from 30 min to 180 min after EA in comparison with the EA group. CONCLUSION: The analgesic effects of EA are related to opioid, adrenergic, serotonin and dopamine receptors in an arthritic pain model of rats.

Pain behavior to electroacupuncture in rabbit tooth pulp

Aim: The aim of this study was to verify the pain behavior to electroacupuncture (EACP) in rabbit tooth-pulp assay. Methods: Albino rabbits weighing 1.5-2.0 kg) were pretreated with saline or morphine (5mg/kg, e.v.) 10 min before the nociceptive test (NT). In another group, EACP (rectangular pulses, f1=2 Hz, f2=0.1 s, 3 mA) was applied in acupoints and sham points, before and during the NT. After 120 min, EACP was withdrawn and the nociceptive threshold was measured every 10 min until the initial nociceptive threshold was achieved. Results: EACP, using the Yintang, ST4 and ST5 acupoints, induced an increased in the nociceptive threshold and this effect persisted for up to 2 h, even after the removal of electric stimulation. Application of EACP at sham points did not show significant analgesic activity. The present results demonstrated that males presented a higher initial level of analgesia, but a poorer maintenance of analgesic effect after the EACP procedure, while females demonstrated a long lasting analgesic effect even after discontinuation of EACP. Conclusions: EACP presented an analgesic effect in a rabbit tooth pulp assay that was probably due to the release of endogenous opioids. The duration of this analgesic effect seems to be different for males and females.

Electro-acupuncture reduces the need for additional anesthetics in experimental studies / Eletroacupuntura reduz a necessidade de doses adicionais de anestésicos em estudos experimentais

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible beneficial effects of electro-acupuncture in rats subjected to ketamine/xylazine (KX) intra-peritoneal (i.p.) anesthesia. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were distributed in four equal groups. All rats received i.p. injections of ketamine (90 mg/kg) +xylazine (10 mg/kg) anesthesia. Basal values group (control) rats (BV) received no additional treatment. The equivalent of the human right ST36 (Zusanli) and CV-12(Zhongwan) acupoints were chosen for needling and electrical stimulation. AC rats were needled with sterilized disposable stainless steel needles at right ST36 and CV12 acupoints; needles were retained for 30 minutes. EAC10 rats, after needle insertion as described, had electrodes connected to both needles and to an electro stimulator model NKL EL-608; pulsed square waves, 10 Hz, 10 mA, was applied for 30 minutes. EAC100 rats were submitted to EA as described. However, a greater frequency (100 Hz) was used. RESULTS: Thirty-seven rats remained under adequate anesthetic level during the experiment. However, maintenance anesthesia was required by 11 rats. Need for additional anesthesia decreased to 9.1 percent in EAC100 rats compared to BV (36.3 percent). CONCLUSION: Both the AC and the EAC10/100 prolong the anesthetic effect of the combination Ketamine-xylazine in rats, allowing longer duration of anesthesia with a lower dose of anesthetic, thereby reducing the occurrence of complications.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os possíveis efeitos benéficos da eletroacupuntura em ratos submetidos à anestesia intraperitoneal (i.p.) com ketamina / xilazina. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e oito ratos Wistar foram randomizados em quatro grupos iguais. Todos os ratos receberam injeções i.p. de ketamina (90 mg / kg) + xilazina (10 mg / kg). Os ratos do grupo Valores Basais (controle - BV) não receberam nenhum tratamento adicional. Os acupontos equivalentes aos humanos E-36 (Zusanli) e VC-12 (Zhongwan) foram escolhidos para inserção de agulhas e estimulação elétrica. Os ratos do grupo AC foram estimulados com agulhas esterilizadas descartáveis, de aço inoxidável, nos acupontos E-36 direito e VC12. As agulhas foram mantidas por 30 minutos. Nos ratos do grupo EAC10, após agulhamento, como descrito, eletrodos foram conectados às agulhas e ao eletro-estimulador modelo NKL EL-608 e aplicadas ondas quadradas pulsantes, 10 Hz, 10 mA, por 30 minutos. Os ratos do grupo EAC100 foram submetidos à EA como descrito. No entanto, uma maior freqüência (100 Hz) foi utilizada. RESULTADOS: Trinta e sete ratos permaneceram no nível anestésico adequado durante o experimento. No entanto, a manutenção da anestesia foi se fez necessária em 11 animais. Nos ratos do grupo EAC100 a necessidade de anestesia complementar diminuiu para 9,1 por cento em comparação com ratos do grupo BV (36,3 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Tanto a AC como a EAC10/100 prolongam o efeito anestésico da combinação ketamina-xilazina em ratos, permitindo maior duração da anestesia com menor dose de anestésico, reduzindo assim a ocorrência de complicações.

Opioidergic orofacial antinociception induced by electroacupuncture at acupoint St36

The participation of opioids in the antinociceptive effect of electroacupuncture was evaluated in terms of nociception produced by thermal stimuli applied to the face of male Wistar rats, weighing 180-230 g. Electrical stimulation (bipolar and asymmetric square wave with 0.5 mA intensity for 20 min) of acupoint St36, located in the anterior tibial muscle 10 mm distal to the knee joint, induced antinociception in the present model, which was maintained for 150 min. Acupoint LI4, located in the junction of the first and second metacarpal bones, did not achieve antinociception at any frequency studied (5 Hz: 1.7 ± 0.1; 30 Hz: 1.8 ± 0.1; 100 Hz: 1.7 ± 0.1 vs 1.4 ± 0.2). The antinociception obtained by stimulation of acupoint St36 was only achieved when high frequency 100 Hz (3.0 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.1) was used, and not with 5 or 30 Hz (1.2 ± 0.2 and 0.7 ± 0.1 vs 1.0 ± 0.1). The antinociceptive effect of acupuncture occurred by opioid pathway activation, since naloxone (1 and 2 mg/kg, subcutaneously) antagonized it (1.8 ± 0.2 and 1.7 ± 0.2 vs 3.0 ± 0.1).

Comportamiento de la cirugía mayor ambulatoria: estudio de 5 años / Behavior of ambulatory major surgery: a 5-year study

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo de 2 208 pacientes operados por el método de cirugía mayor ambulatoria en el servicio de cirugía del Hospital Militar Clinicoquirúrgico Docente "Comandante Manuel Fajardo Rivero" de Santa Clara, durante el período comprendido desde enero de 1997 hasta diciembre del 2001, con el propósito de demostrar las ventajas de este método para el paciente y para la institución. Los pacientes operados de hernias inguinales, epigástricas y umbilicales fueron los que predominaron. También fueron tratados por este método pacientes con litiasis vesicular, fibromiomas uterinos, nódulos de mamas, ginecomastias y hemorroides. Del total de los pacientes la mayor cantidad pertenecía al sexo femenino y en cuanto a la edad los grupos comprendidos entre 20 y 49 años fueron los que más se beneficiaron con este método. Los tipos de anestesia con preferencia a ser utilizados en estos pacientes fueron la anestesia regional y la analgesia quirúrgica acupuntural(AU)

A descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted among 2 208 patients operated on by ambulatory major surgery at the surgery service of "Comandante Manuel Fajardo Rivero" Military Clinical and Surgical Hospital, in Santa Clara, from January, 1997, to December, 2001, aimed at showing the advantages of this method for the patient and the health institution. The patients operated on of inguinal, epigastric and umbilical hernias predominated. This method was also used with vesicular lithiasis, uterine fibromyomas, breast nodules, gynecomasties and hemorrhoids. Most of the patients were females and the groups aged 20-49 were the most benefitted with this method. The types of anesthesia preferably used were regional anesthesia and acupunctural surgical analgesia(AU)

Analgesia Acupuntural en el Servicio de Urgencias / Acupunctural analgesia in emergency service

A través del tiempo se han utilizado variados métodos terapéuticos para el alivio del dolor, que es posiblemente la causa más común y decisiva por lo que una persona acude al médico. Se utilizó un estudio prospectivo para evaluar los resultados de la acupuntura aplicada con fines analgésicos, en el Servicio de Urgencia del Hospital Panamá, municipio de Vertientes, provincia de Camagüey, en el mes de enero del 2001. Se estudiaron 22 casos que durante el período concurrieron al departamento de Medicina Natural por presentar dolor. Para recolectar la información se diseñó un formulario, con variables como: edad, sexo, localización e intensidad del dolor, puntos acupunturales utilizados y resultados del tratamiento al cabo de 40 minutos. Los principales resultados mostraron un 100 (por ciento) de personas mayores de 30 años, entre las cuales predominaron las mujeres con el 72 (por ciento), la región lumbosacra, región dorsal y brazos, como principales zonas de localización y una disminución o desaparición del dolor en un 82 (por ciento) del total de pacientes, a los 40 minutos de aplicada la terapia acupuntural(AU)

A number of various therapeutical methods has been used so far for pain relief that is probably the most common and decisive cause for going to the doctor´s. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the results of acupunctural analgesia applied in January,2001 in the Emergency Service of "Panamá" Hospital, Vertientes municipality, Camaguey province Twenty two cases, who went to the Natural Medicine department for pain relief, were studied. A form was designed to gather information including variables such as age, sex, location and intensity of pain, acupunctural points and results of treatment after 40 minutes. The main results showed that all the patients were aged over 30 years, with females prevailing (72 percent); main treated areas were lumbosacral region, dorsal region and arms. Pain diminished or disappeared in 82 percent of cases after 40 minutes of treatment(AU)

Analgesia acupuntural y bloqueos terapéuticos en pacientes con lumbociatalgia: labor de enfermería / Acupuncture analgesia and therapeutic blocks in patients With lumbosciatica. Nursing work

Se realizó un estudio analítico, longitudinal y prospectivo acerca de la analgesia acupuntural y los bloqueos terapéuticos empleados como procedimiento en 200 pacientes con lumbociatalgia, atendidos en la clínica para el tratamiento del dolor del Hospital General Docente "Alberto Fernández Montes de Oca" de San Luis, provincia de Santiago de Cuba, durante el período comprendido desde julio de 1996 hasta marzo de 1997, con el objetivo de precisar la respuesta al tratamiento, comparar su efectividad y mostrar la labor de Enfermería en la aplicación de ambas técnicas. Se encontró que el tratamiento acupuntural del dolor lumbociático produjo analgesia en todos los pacientes tratados con este método, que además de ser inocuo, resultó de muy bajo costo y arrojó una diferencia de $ 8 513 en comparación con la técnica tradicional(AU)

An analytical, longitudinal and prospective study about acupuncture analgesia and therapeutic blocks used a procedure in 200 patients with lumbosciatica attended at the clinic for the treatment of pain of the "Alberto Fernández Montes de Oca" General Teaching Hospital, in San Luis, province of Santiago de Cuba, from July, l996, to March, l997, was conducted aimed at determining the response to treatment, comparing its effectiveness and showing the work carried out by the nurses in the application of both techniques. It was found that the acupuncture treatment of lumbosciatica produced release in all the patients treated by this method, that besides being innocuos was very cheap. There was a difference of $8 513 compared with the traditional technique(AU)

Pain: a review article

Pain is the most complex human experience and the most frequent cause for which patients seek medical help. Whereas acute pain promotes survival by enabling the organism to avoid or escape harm, chronic pain is usually destructive physically, psychologically and socially. Pain reaches consciousness at the level of the thalamus, its localization requires the participation of the sensory cortex; the behavioural changes characteristic of pain are governed by the limbic system. The two vasoactive amines, serotonin and histamine, and the peptide bradykinin are ubiquitous enough to fill the role of biological chemical mediators of pain. The prostaglandins have an important role at the nociceptor level. The substance P and endorphins are involved in the transmission of pain information in the central nervous system. The recent development of multidisciplinary pain clinic affer a new approach in managing patients with chronic pain. The range and diversity of techniques currently used to relieve pain emphasize the unsatisfactory state in which surgery is placed. Acupuncture, as a form of treatment for pain, is greatly influenced by psychological factors