Effect of Traditional Acupuncture Compared to Sham Acupuncture on Opioid Pain Relief in Adults with Fibromyalgia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether traditional acupuncture can improve pain relief from opioids in people with fibromyalgia who already use these pain medications. The study compares traditional acupuncture to sham acupuncture, which mimics the procedure without actual needle insertion or stimulation, to see if acupuncture enhances the opioid effect on pain reduction. Participants complete a pain questionnaire before and after acupuncture treatments to assess changes. Participants receive either traditional acupuncture, where thin needles are inserted at specific points on the body and manually manipulated to create a sensation called De Qi, or sham acupuncture, which involves non-penetrating pricking sensations at non-acupuncture points. The treatments are given in a controlled, randomized, and double-blind manner to fairly compare the effects over about two weeks. During the study, participants complete the Brief Pain Inventory and visual pain scales before starting opioid challenges and again one week after completing the acupuncture therapies. Researchers measure changes in pain scores over time to evaluate the impact of the treatments. The study includes adults aged 18 to 80 with fibromyalgia who are on continuous opioid therapy and experience moderate to severe baseline pain. Safety and supportive care continue throughout the study period.

Analgesic Response to Opioids in Patients With Fibromyalgia After Conventional Acupuncture Versus Sham Acupuncture