Study of Dry Needling and Acupuncture Treatments for Primary Dysmenorrhea in Women Aged 18 to 30 Evaluating Pain Relief, Quality of Life, and Treatment Mechanisms

What this Trial Is About

Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain not caused by pelvic organic diseases, commonly affecting young women and greatly lowering their quality of life. This research evaluates dry needling therapy targeting myofascial trigger points and compares it with traditional acupuncture and placebo treatment. The study also explores the possible link between trigger points in dry needling and acupuncture points, aiming to provide a modern understanding of acupuncture theory. A randomized patient-blinded design enrolls women aged 18 to 30 with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups dry needling of trigger points, traditional acupuncture, and sham needling placebo. Treatments occur once weekly for three weeks before menstruation. The dry needling group receives stimulation of specific muscle trigger points, while the acupuncture group receives needling at established acupoints. The placebo group receives sham needling without skin penetration. All participants perform abdominal stretching exercises 3 to 5 times daily for about 2 minutes each, continuing for one month. NSAIDs are allowed if pain becomes severe. During the study, researchers assess pain levels, quality of life, inflammatory markers, and local uterine blood flow before treatment, shortly after, and up to one year later. They also monitor medication use and adverse effects over an average of two years. Evaluations include pain scales, health surveys, and Doppler ultrasound to observe uterine circulation. This comprehensive approach aims to understand the treatment effects and mechanisms of dry needling and acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhea.

Clinical Study on Dry Needling for Primary Dysmenorrhea and Its Preliminary Correlation With Acupoints