Localization of Auricular Acupoints for Treating Idiopathic Chronic Low Back Pain Using Pressure Pain Test and Electrical Skin Resistance Test

Abstract

Introduction:

Idiopathic chronic low back pain (icLBP) represents approximately 90% of chronic low back pain and lacks a clearly identifiable pathological origin. It impacts both productivity and overall quality of life. Auricular acupuncture (AA) is a promising emerging therapy for icLBP.

Objective:

To verify if there are areas of both the lateral and medial auricle surfaces with greater incidence of neuroreflex points in subjects with icLBP as compared to a group of healthy controls.

Methods:

A total of 64 subjects with a diagnosis of icLBP and a control group of 64 healthy individuals were evaluated. All sectors of the Romoli Sectogram and the Chinese Standardized Map were examined with the Electrical Skin Resistance Test (ESRT) and with the Pressure Pain Test (PPT) on both the medial and lateral surfaces of each auricle.

Results:

The icLBP subjects had a significantly higher average number of positive points in sectors 17, 18, and 19 of the Romoli Sectogram and in areas AH9, AH5, TF4, and P1 of the Chinese Standardized Map as compared with the control. In icLBP subjects, the positive points were predominantly grouped into four main areas: area 1 in AH9, area 2 in P1, area 3 in TF4, and area 4 in AH5. In areas 1 and 2, one or more positive points in the vast majority of icLBP subjects were detected.

Conclusions:

In icLBP, there are four areas of the auricle within which one or more points positive on ESRT and PPT can be detected, identifying potentially specific and effective AA points.