Auricular acupuncture in the treatment of acute pain syndromes: A pilot study.

This pilot study used a randomized controlled clinical trial design to compare the effects of standard emergency medical care to auricular acupuncture plus standard emergency medical care in patients with acute pain syndromes. Eighty-seven active duty military personnel and their dependents with a diagnosis of acute pain completed the study, which was conducted in the emergency room (ER) at Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. The primary outcome measure was change in pain level from baseline, as measured by the Numerical Rating Scale. Participants in the acupuncture group experienced a 23% reduction in pain before leaving the ER, while average pain levels in participants in the standard medical care group remained basically unchanged. (p < 0.0005). However, both groups experienced a similar reduction in pain 24 hours following treatment in the ER. More research is needed to elucidate treatment effects and to determine mechanisms.

Assessment of chiropractic outcomes for low back pain and neck pain: a health plan quality incentive model.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota conducted a quality improvement project to quantify and improve the clinical and functional outcomes of low back pain and neck pain patients in a chiropractic network. Improved outcomes were encouraged through a financial incentive for implementation of standard clinical outcome measurement tools, quarterly feedback to individual practices, and a face-to-face meeting to share best practices. Although a large database on baseline neck pain and low back pain and functional disability was generated, and clinically and statistically significant improvements in outcomes were documented, progressive improvement in outcomes over the 4-year project period was not found.