Ear Acupuncture Reducing Pain and Improving Balance

The Effects of a Single Session of Ear Acupuncture in Pain Sensation and Body Balance

The aim of the present project is to examine the effects of single session of French ear acupuncture on pain sensation and on postural control in individuals with chronic low back pain.

We hypothesize that:

I) The application of French ear acupuncture at specific points to reduce low back pain would decrease pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain.

II) The pain reduction would be greater for those individuals with low back pain who receive application of French ear acupuncture at specific points to reduce low back pain compared with patients who receive placebo treatment.

III) The application of French ear acupuncture at specific points to reduce back pain will have positive effect on the performance of the postural control system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Complaints of back pain lasting more than 12 weeks
• Pain referred larger than 4 according to the 11-points pain scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• No other musculoskeletal injury,
• Individuals diagnosed with structural damage
• Individuals who performed a spine surgery
• Individuals who have sensory abnormalities or dizziness.
• Individuals may not be in physical therapy for reducing low back pain.
• Painkillers or anti-inflammatories use 24 hours before the experimental procedure.