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The Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Joint Authors
Ji, Mei
Wang, Xiaoxia
Chen, Meijuan
Shen, Yan
Zhang, Xu
Yang, Jin
Source
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Issue
Vol. 2015, Issue 2015 (31 Dec. 2015), pp.1-12, 12 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2015-09-06
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
12
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Sciatica is one of the most frequently reported complaints; it affects quality of life and reduces social and economic efficacy.
Clinical studies on the efficacy of acupuncture therapy in sciatica are increasing, while systematic reviews assessing the efficacy of acupuncture therapy are still lacking.
Objective.
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for sciatica.
Methods.
Comprehensive searches of 8 databases were conducted up until April 2015.
Outcomes included effectiveness (proportion of patients who improved totally or partly in clinical symptoms), pain intensity, and pain threshold.
Effect sizes were presented as risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD).
Pooled effect sizes were calculated by fixed effects or random effects model.
Results.
A total of 12 studies (involving 1842 participants) were included.
Results showed that acupuncture was more effective than conventional Western medicine (CWM) in outcomes effectiveness (RR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.16–1.25), pain intensity (MD −1.25, 95% CI: −1.63 to −0.86), and pain threshold (MD: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.98–1.17).
Subgroup and sensitivity analysis found that the results did not change in different treatment method and drug categories substantially.
The reported adverse effects were acceptable.
Conclusions.
Acupuncture may be effective in treating the pain associated with sciatica.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Ji, Mei& Wang, Xiaoxia& Chen, Meijuan& Shen, Yan& Zhang, Xu& Yang, Jin. 2015. The Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine،Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1061227
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Ji, Mei…[et al.]. The Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine No. 2015 (2015), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1061227
American Medical Association (AMA)
Ji, Mei& Wang, Xiaoxia& Chen, Meijuan& Shen, Yan& Zhang, Xu& Yang, Jin. The Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015. Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1061227
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1061227