Low back pain (LBP) is a significant clinical problem that is reported to occur in 60% to 90% of individuals. Interestingly, most women experience their first episode of low back pain during pregnancy. Existing literature indicates that the prevalence of gestational low back pain (GLBP) can be as high as 50- 90%. The physical limitation and pain caused by GLBP has a significant negative impact on the quality of life and poses a burden on our society. GLBP is caused by enlargement of uterus, loosening of tendons and ligaments, and additional stress to the low back in pregnant women. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities are currently used to treat women with GLBP. Because of concerns related to maternal-fetal circulation, the use of pharmacological interventions is significantly limited in pregnant women. Currently, several CAM therapies such as physical exercise-yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic interventions are proposed as treatments for GLBP. There is a paucity of data, however, with regard to the frequency at which these interventions are actually used and the efficacy of these interventions. Large-scale survey data obtained by our study group indicates that pregnant women and prenatal care providers are very much interested in CAM therapies. As a next step, we purpose a randomized-controlled-trial to determine the therapeutic effect of auricular acupuncture for 1-week as a treatment for low back pain during pregnancy. Previous studies support the use of auricular acupuncture as a treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Data obtained in this application will form the basis of a future, larger-scale, randomized controlled trial investigating the use of auricular acupuncture intervention for GLBP throughout the pregnancy period. These projects fit into the long-term goals of our research program which are to develop various acupuncture-based interventions for a wide variety of clinical problems, and then demonstrate the efficacy of these interventions based on carefully conducted scientific experiments.
| Wang, Shu-Ming; Maranets, Inna; Lin, Eric C et al. (2012) Is commercially available point finder accurate and reliable in detecting active auricular acupuncture points? J Altern Complement Med 18:860-3 |
| Wang, Shu-Ming; Dezinno, Peggy; Lin, Eric C et al. (2009) Auricular acupuncture as a treatment for pregnant women who have low back and posterior pelvic pain: a pilot study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 201:271.e1-9 |
| Wang, Shu-Ming; Kain, Zeev N; White, Paul (2008) Acupuncture analgesia: I. The scientific basis. Anesth Analg 106:602-10 |
| Wang, Shu-Ming; Kain, Zeev N; White, Paul F (2008) Acupuncture analgesia: II. Clinical considerations. Anesth Analg 106:611-21, table of contents |
| Wang, Shu-Ming; Escalera, Sandra; Lin, Eric C et al. (2008) Extra-1 acupressure for children undergoing anesthesia. Anesth Analg 107:811-6 |
| Wang, Shu-Ming (2007) An integrative approach for treating postherpetic neuralgia--a case report. Pain Pract 7:274-8 |
| Wang, Shu-Ming; Constable, R Todd; Tokoglu, Fuyuze S et al. (2007) Acupuncture-induced blood oxygenation level-dependent signals in awake and anesthetized volunteers: a pilot study. Anesth Analg 105:499-506 |
| Kain, Zeev N; MacLaren, Jill; McClain, Brenda C et al. (2007) Effects of age and emotionality on the effectiveness of midazolam administered preoperatively to children. Anesthesiology 107:545-52 |
| Kain, Zeev N; Mayes, Linda C; Caldwell-Andrews, Alison A et al. (2006) Predicting which children benefit most from parental presence during induction of anesthesia. Paediatr Anaesth 16:627-34 |
| Wang, Shu-Ming; Gaal, Dorothy; Maranets, Inna et al. (2005) Acupressure and preoperative parental anxiety: a pilot study. Anesth Analg 101:666-9, table of contents |
