IMPACT-MPS: Imaging Metabolic and Perfusion Changes in Acupuncture Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
University of California, Davis
Summary
This study will evaluate the clinical and biological effects of acupuncture for chronic low back pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). In this randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial, 64 adults with chronic low back pain due to MPS will be assigned to receive either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture for eight weeks. Participants will undergo total-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (TB-PET/CT) imaging and complete standardized pain and functional questionnaires at baseline and after treatment. The study will evaluate whether acupuncture improves pain and function compared with sham treatment and whether TB-PET/CT imaging can detect changes in myofascial tissue metabolism and perfusion that correspond with clinical outcomes.
Description
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by localized muscle pain, trigger points, and functional limitations. MPS is frequently associated with chronic low back pain and contributes substantially to reduced quality of life and increased healthcare utilization. Despite its prevalence, diagnosis and treatment monitoring rely largely on subjective clinical examination and patient-reported outcomes because validated objective biomarkers of myofascial tissue dysfunction are lacking. Acupuncture is widely used as a non-pharmacologic treatment for chronic pain…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to understand the purposes and risks of the trial and willingness to sign an informed consent form * Willingness and ability to comply with all protocol required procedures * Willingness to be randomized to receive either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture * Current self-report of chronic low back pain (cLBP) which has persisted for the past 3 months AND has resulted in pain on \> 50% of days in the past 6 months * At least one palpable nodule or taut band in paraspinal, quadratus lumborum, or gluteal muscles * Reproduction of the patient's dominant pain with p…
Interventions
- ProcedureAcupuncture
Participants assigned to the acupuncture group will receive standardized acupuncture treatments administered by a licensed acupuncturist. Treatments will occur up to three times per week for eight weeks (maximum of 24 sessions).
- ProcedureSham Acupuncture
Participants assigned to the sham control group will receive sham acupuncture using non-penetrating placebo needles designed to mimic the appearance and sensation of acupuncture without skin penetration. Sessions will occur up to three times per week for eight weeks (maximum of 24 sessions) and will follow procedures similar in duration and setting to the acupuncture intervention.
- ProcedureTotal-Body PET/CT Imaging
Participants will undergo total-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (TB-PET/CT) imaging using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Imaging will be performed at baseline (prior to the first acupuncture/sham acupuncture) and at 8 weeks (after the last acupuncture/sham acupuncture session), with an optional mid-treatment scan at 4 weeks, to evaluate metabolic activity and perfusion in myofascial tissue.
Location
- UC Davis EXPLORER Molecular Imaging CenterSacramento, California