Auricular acupuncture as a treatment for pregnant women who have low back and posterior pelvic pain: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to examine whether 1 week of continuous auricular acupuncture could reduce low back and posterior pelvic pain associated with pregnancy STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on pregnant women who have lower back and posterior pelvic pain These women were randomly assigned into an acupuncture group, a sham acupuncture group, or a waiting list control group All participants were monitored for 2 weeks RESULTS: Baseline and day 7 showed significant group differences in pain (F = 15, P < 0001) and in the disability rating index score (F = 7; P < .0001) The participants in the acupuncture group reported a significant reduction of pain and improvement of functional status as compared with those in the sham acupuncture and control groups CONCLUSION: One week of continuous auricular acupuncture decreases the pain and disability experienced by women with pregnancy-related low back and posterior pelvic pain