Purpose: Traditional Chinese medicine TCM therapies, especially acupuncture, have received increasing attention in the field of pain management. This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome. Furthermore, articles of studies published from the inception of these databases until November 22, , were examined. This systematic review and meta-analysis encompassed all randomized controlled trials RCTs on acupuncture for myofascial pain syndromes, without language or date restrictions.
Based on the mean difference MD of symptom change, we critically assessed the outcomes reported in these trials. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results: Our analysis included 10 RCTs in which patients were divided into two groups: an acupuncture group and a control group These results suggest that acupuncture is effective in reducing myofascial pain.
It is necessary to further study the optimal acupoints and treatment time to achieve the best therapeutic effect. The traditional definition of myofascial pain syndrome MPS suggests that regional pain originates from hyperirritable spots located within the taut band of skeletal muscle, referred to as myofascial trigger points MTrPs 1. Myofascial pain syndrome MPS is regarded as one of the most prevalent chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes.
Common causes of MPS and dysfunction may include direct or indirect trauma, spinal pathology, exposure to cumulative and repetitive strain, postural dysfunction, and physical disorders 3 , 4. The pharmacological management of myofascial pain predominantly involves analgesics and muscle relaxants, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs being the most frequently prescribed medications.
Consequently, there exists a paucity of robust evidence regarding the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs in treating MPS. Moreover, caution should be exercised regarding the prolonged use of oral NSAIDs due to potential gastrointestinal, renal, and antiplatelet adverse effects 5.
