Acupuncture Therapy for Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome): A Case Report

Abstract

Background 

Growing evidence supports acupuncture as a viable therapy for chronic pain. This case report aimed to provide specific evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing the pain of a woman with interstitial cystitis (IC).

Clinical Case

A 66-year-old woman was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC) and exhibited most of the typical symptoms, such as urgent, frequent urination and burning and lower abdominal/bladder pain. During her initial treatment sessions, assessments were made to determine her constitutional type, the Chinese medicine pattern of disharmony she was presenting, and a treatment plan for her care. The O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Pain Quality Assessment Scale were the main assessment tools used to determine the tangible effectiveness of her acupuncture treatments. In addition, her mood, affect, outlook on life, and behavioral changes were also monitored. This study highlights eight of this patient's 60- to 90-minute acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments over two months.

Conclusion 

Interstitial cystitis is a complex chronic disorder in which the bladder is inflamed and irritated, causing burning during urination, urgency and frequency of urination, and lower abdominal pain. In this case, the patient experienced a reduction in pain, frequency, and urgency with acupuncture therapy.