Acupuncture for Pediatric Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is a growing problem in children, with prevalence as high as 30.8%. Acupuncture has been found to be useful in many chronic pain conditions, and may be of clinical value in a multidisciplinary treatment program. The basic principles of acupuncture are reviewed, as well as studies exploring basic mechanisms of acupuncture and clinical efficacy. Conditions commonly treated in the pediatric pain clinic, including headache, abdominal pain, fibromyalgia, juvenile arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome, cancer pain, as well as perioperative pain studies are reviewed and discussed. Areas in need of further research are identified, and procedural aspects of acupuncture practice and safety studies are reviewed. Acupuncture can be an effective adjuvant in the care of pediatric patients with painful conditions, both in a chronic and an acute setting. Further studies, including randomized controlled trials, as well as trials of comparative effectiveness are needed.

Managing Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Clinical Review

“…Other CAM interventions including acupuncture, hypnosis, massage, music therapy, pet therapy, and osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation could be considered as part of the comprehensive pain management program, though randomized controlled trials in pediatrics are limited, particularly for those not involving direct physical touch (hypnosis, music therapy, and pet therapy) [130,150]. Acupuncture can provide benefit and be well tolerated in children as young as 6 years of age with varying pain conditions, including migraines, abdominal pain, fibromyalgia, and CRPS type 1 [151,152]. Intolerance, including anxiety about the acupuncture procedure, may be reduced when combined with hypnosis [152].…”

“…Intolerance, including anxiety about the acupuncture procedure, may be reduced when combined with hypnosis [152]. For those with concerns regarding needles, noninvasive acupuncture techniques, including transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation and laser acupuncture, may be an alternative [151].…”

Employing Evidence in Evaluating Complementary Therapies: Findings from an Ethnography of Integrative Pain Management at a Large Urban Pediatric Hospital

“…[19][20][21] A review of the acupuncture literature suggests positive evidence supporting the use of acupuncture for both acute and chronic pain in the pediatric population. 22 While adverse events have been reported, acupuncture is considered safe when performed by properly trained practitioners. 23 Increasingly, CIM is being successfully implemented in pediatric hospital settings globally, 24,25 with findings beginning to point to lessons that can be applied in the implementation of CIM more broadly.…”

Acupressure to Reduce Treatment-Related Symptoms for Children With Cancer and Recipients of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…However, the majority of systematic reviews have concluded that additional high-quality trials are needed among children to assess the effectiveness of acustimulation to reduce pain, nausea, and vomiting in general populations, 42,[55][56][57][58][59] as well as in childhood cancer. 29,30,60,61 Trial Objectives/Aims…”