Efficacy of acupuncture at abdominal myofascial trigger points for the treatment of patients with primary dysmenorrhea

Objective To retrospectively observe the efficacy of acupuncture at myofacial trigger points (MTrPs) in abdominal muscles for the treatment of patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods Sixty-five patients with moderate or severe primary dysmenorrhea were treated with acupuncture therapy. The MTrPs in abdominal region were localized and repeatedly acupunctured and injected with 1% lidocaine, combined with auto-stretching exercise of abdominal muscles, 0.5-1.0 min/time, 3-5 times/d. VAS and effects were evaluated at the menstrual period after every acupuncture, and one year after last acupuncture. Results The effective rate was 63% (41/65 cases) , 100% (65/65 cases) and 100% (65/65 cases) after the acupuncture 1, 2 times and 1 year after the treatment respectively. Conclusion Acupuncture at MTrPs in abdominal region combined with stretching exercise is effective for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Key words: Dysmenorrhea, primary; Myofascial pain syndromes; Acupuncture therapy; Abdominal muscles stretching; Trigger points