Effects of Acupuncture on Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Joint Pain

Inclusion Criteria:

Female
Must be on aromatase inhibitor therapy continuously for breast cancer treatment for at least the preceding two months
Must have experienced increased or new onset joint pain daily to a degree equal to or greater than 4 on a pain scale of 0-10 after starting aromatase inhibitor therapy
Able to read and write English
Able to give written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

Have a known autoimmune disease or acute infection
Have had acupuncture treatment within 6 months of study enrollment
Known needle phobia
Known metal allergies
Have an implantable device, such as pacemaker, defibrillator or other device contraindicated with electrical stimulation
Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or narcotics within 7 days of study enrollment and during study period (15 weeks)
Receipt of prior chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy within 90 days
On anticoagulant therapy
Receiving physical or occupational therapy concurrently
Taking herbs or herbal teas within 7 days of study enrollment and during study period (15 weeks)
Have an immune-compromising medical condition or currently receiving immune-modulating therapies (including corticosteroids)
Enrolled in any other active cancer treatment protocols
Bone fracture or surgery of an affected extremity within 6 months