Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Cervical Dystonia

Abstract

This case describes the successful addition of acupuncture to treat a patient with cervical dystonia previously managed with Botox (botulinum toxin) injections. This resulted in reduced pain and muscle spasm relief and to the authors’ knowledge is the first case to be reported using this treatment combination. The patient was diagnosed with the idiopathic variant of cervical dystonia and had been treated with regular Botox injections for almost a year and half. She was then referred for a course of acupuncture to manage pain and reduce excessive muscle tone. She had excellent benefit from the acupuncture and she continued to get top-ups of acupuncture every 8–10 weeks. Requirement for Botox injections had decreased thus reducing its long-term side effects.