Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Prompt treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis would decrease the burden of this chronic disease. In this study، the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain and fatigue in the patients with multiple sclerosis was evaluated. In this before-after study، 49 patients with multiple sclerosis who referred to traditional medicine clinics were recruited. The patients underwent acupuncture treatment bi-weekly for six months and pain and fatigue scores were calculated according to Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The initial and final scores were then compared. The mean ODI scores were 41. 16 ± 3. 74 and 33. 59 ± 5. 14 before and after the treatment، respectively (P < 0. 0001). In addition، all ten variables contributing to ODI were decreased significantly after treatment with acupuncture (P < 0. 0001). Fatigue and chronic pain are subjective، multifactorial symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore، further studies with larger sample size and adjustment for Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores are required to approve the obtained results. Acupuncture can then be suggested as a complementary method in patients with multiple sclerosis.