Acupuncture works - as placebo

[Spud1k]

I'm not aware of any studies on muscle spasm. Sure, relieving spasm could relieve headache, but I can't perceive a mechanism for acupuncture relieving the spasm.

The explanations I've heard are along the lines of either stimulating the body to initiate the release of pain-relieving hormones (or something), or that there is a neurological reaction that causes the muscles to relax (or something). Like I said, very hand-waving, but then I'll confess to not knowing much about medicine anyway.

I don't know if anyone has done much in the way of 'proper' studies on this but I do know it is a fairly common method employed by physiotherapists to complement other treatments. (Chiropractors as well if you think that counts for anything. ) Trouble is that even when you try to look for answers in what you'd hope would be the more respectable sources, they still can't stay away from the woo-based explanations, which doesn't fill me with confidence, I have to admit.

 

[Asolepius]

I suggest conducting a trial of needling vs. conventional pharmacological treatment for pain where the patients are told both treatments are unlikely to be particularly effective and are administered by miserable physicians with poor communication skills.

But seriously, the problem is with informed consent. Unlike CAM practitioners, clinical researchers are not allowed to lie to patients.

 

[Asolepius]

Trouble is that even when you try to look for answers in what you'd hope would be the more respectable sources, they still can't stay away from the woo-based explanations, which doesn't fill me with confidence, I have to admit.

Blimey you are right, this is about as woo as any explanation I have seen. And these are qualified physios! My heart sinks.

 

[Roma]

You must know my doctors.

Anyway, I've decided not to have the suggested accupuncture treatments, the very idea that I'm being conned by some quack is revolting to me.

 

[ectoplasm]

The explanations I've heard are along the lines of either stimulating the body to initiate the release of pain-relieving hormones (or something), or that there is a neurological reaction that causes the muscles to relax (or something). Like I said, very hand-waving, but then I'll confess to not knowing much about medicine anyway.

I don't know if anyone has done much in the way of 'proper' studies on this but I do know it is a fairly common method employed by physiotherapists to complement other treatments. (Chiropractors as well if you think that counts for anything. ) Trouble is that even when you try to look for answers in what you'd hope would be the more respectable sources, they still can't stay away from the woo-based explanations, which doesn't fill me with confidence, I have to admit.

I've heard this explanation of stimulating the body to initiate the release of pain relieving substances, but is there any evidence?

Similarly for relieving tensed up muscles, what is the evidence?

 

[Asolepius]

I've heard this explanation of stimulating the body to initiate the release of pain relieving substances, but is there any evidence?

Similarly for relieving tensed up muscles, what is the evidence?

There is good evidence for release of endorphins, which are the brain's own opiate analgesics. But endorphins are release by all sorts of triggers, such as exercise. Thus it's entirely possible that this is caused by the expectation of benefit, not by the needling itself. Placebo effect simply can't be ruled out.

You could search PubMed for papers on muscle spasm. I don't know of any.

 

[Spud1k]

I've heard this explanation of stimulating the body to initiate the release of pain relieving substances, but is there any evidence?

Similarly for relieving tensed up muscles, what is the evidence?

That's what I'd like to know as well. Like I said, all I've ever been given is the hand-waving stuff but there are people out there who seem to think that it works.

 

[RationalVetMed]

I've heard this explanation of stimulating the body to initiate the release of pain relieving substances, but is there any evidence?

Well, poking someone in the eye will stimulate the release of natural endorphins but I don't hear that being touted as a miracle cure.

Yuri

 

[ectoplasm]

There is good evidence for release of endorphins, which are the brain's own opiate analgesics. But endorphins are release by all sorts of triggers, such as exercise. Thus it's entirely possible that this is caused by the expectation of benefit, not by the needling itself. Placebo effect simply can't be ruled out.

You could search PubMed for papers on muscle spasm. I don't know of any.

Okay, I phrased it wrong. I should have said "Is there any evidence for acupuncture causing release of endorphins, in excess of those released by placebo or in excess of those released by conventional treatment?