Electroacupuncture Is Not Effective in Chronic Painful Neuropathies

Abstract

Our results do not support the use of EA in this population of painful neuropathy patients. Further studies in larger groups of patients are warranted to confirm our observation.

Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture-Induced Analgesia on Neuropathic Pain in Animal Model

“…Some controlled clinical trials have been published previously to assess the effectiveness of EA on neuropathic pain; however, the data are still controversial, and the number of controlled clinical trials is insufficient to determine its role in the clinic [137, 138]. Although, there are still no randomized clinical trials to support the analgesic effect of EA on neuropathic pain in clinic, we believe that various experimental models and results reported from the work included in our review could guide future efforts to publish a well-designed randomized clinical trial on neuropathic pain.…”

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…58 The selected studies focus on acupuncture for the treatment of neuropathy caused by Bell's palsy, 45,59 CTS, 55,56,[60][61][62] diabetes, 19,20,63,64 HIV, 57,58,65 and a combination of diabetes and idiopathic causes. 66 Of the included RCTs, nine studied manual acupuncture with or without moxibustion, three studied electroacupuncture, and one studied a combination of manual and electroacupuncture. Other active interventions included per os (P.O.)…”

Current Trends in Acupuncture Research: From Analgesia to Physiological Function of Brain

“…As mentioned in previous section (see Current researches in hyperalgesia models), EA can attenuate hyperalgesia at peripheral and central level. Current research showed acupuncture can reduce severity of neuropathic pain in different neuropathies [163][164][165], but another sham control trial didn't support acupuncture [166]. More RCTs are needed to elucidate the real effect of acupuncture on peripheral neuropathies.…”