Imaging Metabolic and Perfusion Changes in Acupuncture Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This study will evaluate the clinical and biological effects of acupuncture for chronic low back pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). In this randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial, 64 adults with chronic low back pain due to MPS will be assigned to receive either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture for eight weeks. Participants will undergo total-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (TB-PET/CT) imaging and complete standardized pain and functional questionnaires at baseline and after treatment. The study will evaluate whether acupuncture improves pain and function compared with sham treatment and whether TB-PET/CT imaging can detect changes in myofascial tissue metabolism and perfusion that correspond with clinical outcomes.