Comparison between Acupuncture and Nutraceutical Treatment with Migratens® in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic clinical condition characterized by pain, fatigue, altered sleep, and cognitive disturbances. The purpose of this study was to compare two alternative treatments (nutraceutical and acupuncture) in FMS patients through a randomized clinical trial. Research Methods: A total of 60 FMS female patients were randomized for treatment with a nutritional combination containing coenzyme Q10, vitamin D, alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, and tryptophan (Migratens® Group) or acupuncture treatment (Acupuncture Group) performed according the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), both for 3 months. Changes in pain and in quality of life (QoL) measured with a Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Score-Revised (FIQ-R) and the Fibromyalgia Severity Scale (FSS) were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after the start of treatments. Results: A total of 55 patient completed the study (21 in the Migratens® Group and 34 in the Acupuncture Group). Migratens® treatment shows a statistically significant reduction of pain 1 month after the start of therapy (T1, p = 0.025), strengthened after 3 months with maintenance of treatment (p = 0.012). The efficacy in reducing pain was apparent in the Acupuncture Group at all post-treatment determinations and at follow-up (T1 and T2 p = <0.001). Regarding QoL, improvement in FIQ-R and FSS values was revealed in both groups. Conclusion: The nutraceutical approach with Migratens® seems to be an effective option to for patients with FMS. Our experience confirmed also the validity of acupuncture in these patients. Considering the complexity of the management of FMS patients, our results suggest a cyclical and sequential, or even concurrent treatment with different approaches, to improve the efficacy and the compliance of patients to long-term treatment

Effects of Physiotherapy vs. Acupuncture in Quality of Life, Pain, Stiffness, Difficulty to Work and Depression of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Additionally, the positive changes were maintained after a follow-up period of 3 months. Again, our results do not coincide with those of Schweiger et al [54]. This could be explained by the differences in the length of the treatment applied.…”

“…It is interesting to highlight that the three points that were used in our study (GV20, ST36 and BL60) are also among the most recurrent acupuncture points that Schweiger et al [54] applied in their treatment. GV20 is indicated to increase energy (qi) levels.…”

“…Therefore, we consider that the benefits obtained by the participants of the acupuncture group could be explained by the effects of the acupuncture points that were used in our study. In addition, both in the study by Schweiger et al [54] and in our study, achievement of the deqi sensation was sought after insertion of the needle. This sensation has been clinically related to the effectiveness of acupuncture [56,57] and could also have contributed to the decrease in the S-FIQ scores in the acupuncture group.…”

“…Furthermore, authors such as Schweiger et al [54] have also evidenced the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in women with fibromyalgia. They conducted a randomized clinical trial with 60 women and compared the effects of acupuncture vs. treatment with a nutritional supplement combination.…”

“…This could be explained by the differences in the length of the treatment applied. We conducted one course of acupuncture treatment (two sessions per week for a total of 10 sessions), while Schweiger et al [54] conducted two courses of acupuncture after an interval of at least 1 month.…”