The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether imagined acupuncture can reduce postoperative acute pain in adult patients undergoing spinal surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does video-guided imagined acupuncture improve postoperative pain control? Does the intervention reduce opioid consumption and improve functional recovery in the immediate postoperative period? Researchers will compare the imagined acupuncture group to the control education video group to see if imagery-based intervention leads to better pain outcomes and reduced analgesic use. Participants will: Watch a 30-minute video once daily for 7 consecutive days after surgery Complete pain and function assessments during the hospital stay and postoperative follow-up
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
120
Unlike traditional acupuncture, VGAIT can be self-administered and does not require physical needle insertion, making it a practical alternative for patients seeking non-invasive pain management.
Education video about postoperative precautions
Pain Scores (VAS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) daily, including VAS at rest, VAS on movement
Time frame: During the first postoperative week (Days 0-6)
2) Functional Scores (ODI)
Functional status will be evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time frame: On postoperative Day6
3) Rescue Opioid Consumption
The total amount of rescue opioid medication used during the first postoperative week will be recorded in milligrams (oral and intravenous)
Time frame: On postoperative Day6
1) Time to First Rescue Analgesia
The exact time (in hours and minutes) from the end of surgery to the administration of the first rescue analgesic will be recorded
Time frame: On postoperative Day6
2) Total Analgesic Consumption
The cumulative amount of all pain medications (opioid and non-opioid, oral and intravenous) administered within 7 days postoperatively, recorded in milligrams.
Time frame: On postoperative Day6
3) Length of Hospital Stay
Measured as the number of days from the date of surgery to the date of hospital discharge.
Time frame: On postoperative Day6
4) Adverse Effects
Incidence of treatment-related side effects, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, respiratory depression, urinary retention, ileus, or any other reported complications.
Time frame: On postoperative Day6
5) Additional Assessment Tools
RCSQ: Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire
Time frame: On postoperative Day6
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