Date of Award
2021
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupuncture is effective in treating chronic neck pain in patients between the ages of 25-70y/o.
Study design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in English language between 2010-2018.
Data sources: Three RCTs published in peer reviewed journals, searched through PubMed.
Outcome measured: The outcome measured included improvement in mental health. This was measured using short form 36 (SF-36).
Results: Cerezo-Téllez et al treatment showed significant improvement in patients mental health 3 months post acupuncture treatment compared to sham acupuncture. Liang et al also found significant improvement in mental health following acupuncture treatment compared to stretching alone. Sun et al also revealed significant improvement in patient’s mental health 3 month following acupuncture treatment compared to sham acupuncture. All three studies measured results 3 months post treatment indicating long-term effectiveness of acupuncture.
Conclusion: The review show that the use of acupuncture is an effective way to improve the mental health of patients with chronic neck pain. The lack of side effects and improvement long term make acupuncture an effective treatment. More research is needed to look at which duration of intervention improves mental health to the greatest extent.
Recommended Citation
Joiner, Madison, "Is acupuncture effective in improving the mental health in adults with chronic neck pain?" (2021). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 579.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/579