Manual Acupuncture in Fibromyalgia: A Long-Term Pilot Study

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Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this cross-over designed pilot study was to investigate the short-term and long-term effects on pain and other common symptoms present in fibromyalgia [FMS] of manual acupuncture with needles inserted into traditional Chinese acupuncture points. Methods: Nine out of 10 consecutive FMS patients completed the study. Acupuncture was given in 10–14 sessions over two to three months, followed by an observation period of six months. The control regime consisted of continuous medical management. The patients were evaluated immediately after the completion of the treatment and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Pain, sleep, medication, muscle tension, psychological tension, general well-being, the number of tender points, and range of movement in shoulders and neck were assessed. Results: In general, significantly greater changes occurred for the variables under investigation during the acupuncture period than during the control period. Nine of the 11 outcome variables showed a significant improvement after acupuncture period. The number of tender points was significantly decreased and the sense of well-being significantly improved up to 12 week follow-up. A significant decrease in general pain persisted for eight weeks. Muscle tension and local pain in head, neck, and shoulder regions were significantly reduced throughout the whole 24 week follow-up period. According to the patients' evaluation of global treatment outcome, improvements remained significant until the four week follow-up. Base-line values of well-being and sleep patterns were the most important predictors of treatment outcome. Conclusion: We conclude that for some FMS patients 10–14 acupuncture sessions seem to give additional benefits over a limited period.