Acupuncture – Fibromyalgia

 Symptomatic review of the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture for FM

The different modalities of acupuncture include electroacupuncture (EA), manual, acupuncture (MA), and dry needling (DN), and each of them they offer different levels of benefit (EA vs MA vs DN).

Pain

Acupuncture can ease fibromyalgia pain for weeks to months, often better than some pills, and works well with medications like duloxetine. It’s a safe way to feel more comfortable.

Acupuncture reduces fibromyalgia pain significantly, often cutting VAS  pain scores (based on a score of 0 to 100) by 10–15 points on a 100-point scale after 4–8 weeks (2–3 sessions per week). For example, if one’s pain is severe (70/100), acupuncture might lower it to moderate (55–60/100), making activities like walking easier. This can last weeks to months, and monthly sessions may extend relief up to a year (15–20% less pain).

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN)

EA works slightly better than MA, while DN is less effective. Acupuncture demonstrates greater benefit for prescription medications including amitriptyline (Elavil) or fluoxetine (Prozac) by 5–10 points and adds 5–10 points more relief when paired with duloxetine (Cymbalta) or pregabalin (Lyrica). Exercise offers similar pain relief, but duloxetine might keep pain lower longer (15–20 points at 6 months). Acupuncture’s minimal side effects make it great for those sensitive to medications..

Sleep Quality

Acupuncture may improve sleep for weeks, making mornings feel better, but results vary. Medications or therapy might work better, and acupuncture can help alongside them.

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN)

Acupuncture may improve sleep VAS scores by 5–10% after 4–8 weeks, so one might feel more rested. Results vary, as FM sleep issues are complex. EA and MA work similarly, but DN may not help. Duloxetine improves sleep by 10–15%, and exercise or CBT can help by 10–12%, often outperforming acupuncture. However, for those who failed to respond or tolerate duloxetine, acupuncture can  offer for sleep, benefits without side effects.

Quality of Life/Well-Being

Acupuncture can make you feel better overall for weeks to months, especially with medications, helping you enjoy life more safely

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN)

Acupuncture boosts well-being, improving quality of life VAS scores by 10–15 points after 4–8 weeks, helping one enjoy other activities or socialize more. Monthly sessions can maintain this for a year (10–12 points better). EA is slightly better than MA, and DN has weaker evidence for benefit. Acupuncture adds 5–10 points more relief compared with duloxetine or pregabalin. Exercise and CBT are similar (10–12 points), but duloxetine may last longer (15–20 points) although it has potential for side effects, unlike acupuncture.

Depression

Acupuncture can lift your mood for weeks, especially with medications or therapy, but these may work better for depression.

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN)

Acupuncture eases depression, reducing VAS scores by 5–8 points after 4–8 weeks, helping one feel more hopeful. Benefits fade without ongoing sessions. EA and MA are equal, but DN may not help. Duloxetine (10–15 points) and CBT (12 points) are stronger, but acupuncture is a good add-on for mild depression or those avoiding medication side effects.

Anxiety

Acupuncture can help one feel less anxious for weeks, but medications or therapy may be stronger but it offers a safe addition to medication management.

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN)

Acupuncture reduces anxiety by 5–7 VAS points after 4–8 weeks, helping one feel calmer. Benefits may not last long-term without maintenance. EA and MA work equally, but DN doesn’t help. Duloxetine and CBT (8–12 points) may be more effective

Fatigue

Acupuncture may not help tiredness, but less pain might give you some energy. Medications or exercise are better for fatigue.

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN) Acupuncture may not significantly reduce fatigue, showing little improvement in tiredness scores. Pain relief might slightly boost energy. EA, MA, and DN are ineffective for fatigue. Duloxetine and pregabalin cut fatigue VAS scores by 10–15 points, and exercise helps by 10–20%, making them better choices.

Physical Function:

Acupuncture may not make tasks like walking easier, but less pain might help. Medications or exercise are better for activity.

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN)

Acupuncture doesn’t improve physical tasks like climbing stairs, with no change in VAS scores Duloxetine and exercise (10–15 points) or CBT (8 points) are better. Pain relief might help movement slightly.

Stiffness:

Acupuncture doesn’t reduce stiffness, with no score improvements.

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN)

Duloxetine VAS scores (10 points) and exercise help more than acupuncture for most people.

Tender Points:

Acupuncture makes painful spots less tender, improving comfort.

Comparisms to alternative treatments (Prescription medications or EA vs MA vs DN)

Acupuncture reduces tender points by 2–3 out of 18, making one less sensitive. It beats amitriptyline/fluoxetine (1–2 points) and matches duloxetine (3 points).