Low Back Pain in Athletes Treated with Acupuncture

2020-06-10 14:26:35

Low Back Pain in Athletes Treated with Acupuncture

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system attenuates inflammation via catecholamines. Recent evidence has shown that electroacupuncture (EA) activates neuronal networks involved in the release of dopamine and norepinephrine that control systemic inflammation. In muscle, catecholamines are related to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This signaling molecule has been implicated in recovery from sustained contractile activity, which may induce muscular pain, such as that which occurs during low back pain (LBP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of EA used for the control of LBP on the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in a randomized controlled clinical trial in athletes (1). The results indicated that the initial pain ratings did not differ between the groups analyzed. EA induced epinephrine secretion but not norepinephrine or dopamine secretion. Although EA and pharmacological treatment did not differ in terms of pain relief, in vitro epinephrine and norepinephrine reduced TNF-α production in response to LPS stimuli. The authors conclude that EA activates the sympathetic nervous system and induces the release of epinephrine, which could ameliorate inflammation and protect muscular tissue in addition to relieving pain.