Observational Study on Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Preliminary Data

Introduction: Pain in musculoskeletal disorders is a common problem that involves high social and individual costs. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials show that a number of treatments usually applied in this field are not effective. On the other hand, there is clinical evidence of the effectiveness of physical exercise, acupuncture and auriculotherapy. Side effects of current medication limit their use. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of auriculotherapy on the pain of patients suffering from chronic muscoloskeletal disorders (non-oncological pain). Methods: From February 2010 to April 2017, in the Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine Fior di Prugna - Local Health Unit Tuscany centre, 1,180 questionnaires were analyzed. After the first visit with anamnesis and objective examination, patients underwent 6/8 sessions of auriculotherapy, once a week, according to a pre-established protocol that included the search for painful points in the ear through baresthesic diagnosis and adding general points (functional and psychic points). Points in the ear were treated unilaterally by needles; afterwards permanent Vaccaria seeds or press needles were applied and left in situ for a week. The effectiveness on pain at rest and during movement was evaluated by verbal scale Present Pain Intensity (PPI) and Numeric Pain Intensity Scale (NRS) self-administered before and at the end of treatment. Results: Outcome indices have significantly improved. Based on the PPI questionnaire, auriculotherapy reduced pain both at rest and during movement. Patients with strong and atrocious pain decreased from 231 to 45 and 604 to 163, respectively at rest and during movement. The median value of the NRS decreased from 5 to 2 at rest and from 7 to 4 during movement. Conclusions: Auriculotherapy can be effective to reduce pain in musculoskeletal disorders, also in combination with usual care. Randomized controlled trials are needed to verify the efficacy of this protocol of treatment.