Therapeutic efficacy observation on combining acupuncture, tuina and functional exercise for transverse process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of combining acupuncture, tuina and functional exercise for transverse process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra. Methods： A total of 90 cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a medication group. The 48 cases in the observation group were treated with acupuncture, tuina and functional exercise, whereas the 42 cases in the medication group were treated with Ibuprofen sustained release capsules. Before and after treatment, the short-form McGill pain questionnaire （SF-MPQ） was employed to observe the changes in pain rating index （PRI）, visual analogue scale （VAS） and present pain intensity （PPI）. In addition, therapeutic efficacies were compared between two groups. Results： The total effective rate in the observation group was 97.9%, versus 61.9% in the medication group, showing a statistical difference （P〈O.05）. After treatment, there were statistical differences between the two groups in sensory PRI score, affective PRI score, total PRI score, VAS score and PPI score （P〈O.05）; and there were also statistical differences between two groups in clinical sign scoring （P〈O.05）. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, there was a statistical difference between the two groups in re~apse rate （P〈O.05）. Conclusion： Combining acupuncture, tuina and functional exercise can obtain better effects and has a lower relapse rate than Ibuprofen sustained release capsules for transverse process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra.     

Clinical observation on comprehensive treatment on cutaneous region for low back pain

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of comprehensive treatmenton cutaneous region for low back pain. Methods： One hundred and twenty outpatients with low back pain who met the diagnostic criteria were randomly divided into a cutaneous region group or a medication group, 60 cases in each group. The cases in the cutaneous region group were treated by Nie-pinching up the skin of the lumbosacral region, cupping and acupuncture. Those in the medication group were treated by oral administration of Celecoxib capsule. The visual analogue scale （VAS） and Oswestry disability index （ODI） were used to assess the therapeutic effects. Results： After treatment, the VAS scores of both groups were different from those before treatment, showing statistical significances （allP＆lt;0.01）. The D-valuse of VAS scores of both groups were different from those before treatment, showing statistical significances （allP＆lt;0.01）. The D-value of OID scores in the cutaneous region group was significantly different from that in the medication group（P＆lt;0.01）. After treatment, the total effective rate was 91.7% in the cutaneous region group versus 76.7% in the medication group, there was a significant difference in comparing the clinical effect （P＆lt;0.01）. Conclusion： Both comprehensive treatment on the cutaneous region and Celecoxib capsule can obviously relieve low back pain. But comprehensive treatment on the cutaneous region is better than Celecoxib capsule in the therapeutic effects.     

Clinical study on surrounding acupuncture for herpes zoster

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of the surrounding acupuncture for herpes zoster. Methods： Sixty patients with herpes zoster were randomly divided into two groups, a treatment group and a control group, 30 cases in each. The cases in the treatment group were treated with surrounding acupuncture, intravenous infusion of Acyclovir and Ne-Ne laser radiation on the macular areas. While, those in the control group were treated with intravenous infusion of Acyclovir and topical application of Acyclovir ointment. The therapeutic effects were assessed in both groups after two courses of treatment. Results： The treatment group was obviously better than the control group in the effective rate, relief of blister, drying up of blister, relief of pain and time of complete relief of pain （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Surrounding acupuncture, combined with intravenous infusion of Acyclovir and He-Ne laser radiation, is remarkable in the therapeutic effects for herpes zoster and worthy of clinical application.     

针刺配合雷火灸治疗颈型颈椎病临床研究

目的：观察针刺配合雷火灸治疗颈型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法：将符合纳入标准的60例颈型颈椎病患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组30例。治疗组采用针刺配合雷火灸治疗;对照组采用单纯针刺治疗。观察治疗前后症状、体征积分及视觉模拟量表（Visual Analogue Scale,VAS）评分的变化。结果：治疗组在提高临床疗效、降低VAS评分,改善临床症状、体征积分方面均优于对照组（P〈0.01 或P〈0.05）。差异均有统计学意义。结论：针刺配合雷火灸能明显减轻颈型颈椎病患者的疼痛症状,改善颈椎功能。     

Clinical Observation on Combination of Acupuncture and Medication in Treating Breast Hyperplasia简

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with medication in treating breast hyperplasia. Methods： One hundred patients with breast hyperplasia who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine（A＆TCM） group and a traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） group, 50 cases in each group. The A＆TCM group received acupuncture combined with oral TCM; the TCM group only received oral TCM. After two courses of treatment, the efficacy was observed. Results： During the two treatment courses, the recovery rates had been increasing in both groups. The recovery rate of the A＆TCM group was 40.0% and the total effective rate was 98.0%. While the recovery rate of the TCM group was 18.0% and the total effective rate was 80.0%. According to statistical analysis, the differences of recovery rate and total effective rate between the two groups were statistically significant（P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Combination of acupuncture and TCM is more effective than simple oral TCM.     

Effect of ear acupuncture plus injection at Zusanli (ST 36) on shoulder pain and cytokines after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery

Objective

To explore the clinical efficacy of ear acupuncture plus injection at Zusanli (ST 36) in treating shoulder pain after laparoscopic gynecological surgery, and to observe its effect on cytokines.

Methods

Two hundred patients with shoulder pain after laparoscopic gynecological surgery were randomized into two groups based on their visiting sequence, 100 cases each. The observation group was intervened by ear acupuncture plus injection at Zusanli (ST 36), and the control group was intervened by oral administration of Ibuprofen, 10 d as a treatment course. The clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared after 2 treatment courses; the visual analogue scale (VAS), present pain intensity (PPI) and 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) were measured before and after the treatment; the changes of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 after the treatment were also observed.

Results

The VAS and PPI scores were significantly changed after the treatment in both groups (both P<0.01). After the treatment, the VAS score in the observation group was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). The component scores of SF-36 were significantly changed after the treatment in both groups (P<0.01); after the treatment, the scores of physical functioning (PF), bodily pain (BP), social functioning (SF), and mental health (MH) in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group (all P<0.05). The contents of IL-6 and IL-10 dropped significantly after the intervention in both groups (both P<0.01), and the between-group differences were also statistically significant (both P<0.01). The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Ear acupuncture plus injection at Zusanli (ST 36) can significantly improve the shoulder pain after laparoscopic gynecological surgery, down-regulate the expressions of IL-6 and IL-10, and boost the recovery.

     

Diverse needling methods for dry eye syndrome: A randomized controlled study

Objective:To explore a proper acupuncture treatment protocol for dry eye syndrome(DES),by comparing the therapeutic effects between ordinary acupuncture and electroacupuncture(EA).Methods:Forty-seven eligible subjects with DES were randomized into an acupuncture group(n=23)and an EA group(n=24).With the same acupoint formula,the acupuncture group was treated with ordinary acupuncture,and the EA group was treated with ordinary acupuncture plus electrical stimulation.After a treatment course,eye symptom score,Schirmer I test(SIT),Break-up Time(BUT)of tear film,Corneal Fluorescein Staining(CFS),and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)were adopted in evaluation and comparison of the two groups.Results:The total effective rate was 79.2%in the EA group versus 56.5%in the acupuncture group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,both groups had marked improvements in eye symptom score,SIT,BUT,CFS,and VAS values(P<0.001);the EA group was better than acupuncture group in improving eye symptom score and SIT value(both P<0.05);the differences were insignificant in comparing VAS,BUT and CFS results between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Both EA and ordinary acupuncture are effective in treating DES,but EA is better than ordinary acupuncture in improving eye symptom and SIT score.     

Clinical observation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shu</Emphasis>-acupuncture method in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nei Jing</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Classic of Internal Medicine</Emphasis>) for shoulder and arm pain

Objective

To observe the clinical effects of Shu-acupuncture method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) in the treatment of shoulder and arm pain.

Methods

A total of 90 patients with shoulder and arm pain were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 45 cases in each group. The treatment of Shu-acupuncture method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) was adopted in the observation group, routine acupuncture was used in the control group. The two groups were treated once every day, with 5 treatments as one course, and a 2-day rest between two courses. After 3 courses, pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), and the clinical effects were compared between the two groups.

Results

After the treatment, VAS scores were significantly changed in both groups (both P<0.01). The VAS score was lower in the observation group than that in the control group, with a statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 100% in the observation group, versus 91.1% in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The therapeutic effect of Shu-acupuncture method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) is better than that of routine acupuncture in treating shoulder and arm pain.

     

Tuina for leg length discrepancy and lumbosacral pain due to sacroiliac joint subluxation

Objective： To observe theclinical effect of tuina reduction manipulation on leg length discrepancy and lumbosacral pain due to sacroiliac joint subluxation. Methods： A total of 60eligible cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group, 30 in each group. Cases in the observation group were treated with conventional tuina plus reduction manipulation of sacroiliac joint subluxation; whereas cases in the control group were treated with conventional tuina plus acupuncture. The clinical effects were observed after 10 times of treatment. In addition, the relapse rates were observed 2 months after treatment. Results： The total effective rate in the observation group was 80.0%, versus 50.0% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference （P＆lt;0.05）. The relapse rate of lumbosacral pain in the observation group was 12.5%, versus 66.7% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference （P＆lt;0.01）. The relapse rate of leg length discrepancy in the observation group was 16.7%, versus 80.0% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference （P＆lt;0.01）. Conclusion： Tuina reduction manipulation can obtain substantial therapeutic effect for leg length discrepancy and lumbosacral pain due to sacroiliac joint subluxation, coupled with a low relapse rate.     

Comparative study on the analgesic effects of different moxibustion methods with tai-yi moxa stick in treating primary dysmenorrhea

Objective： To compare the therapeutic effects of two different moxibustion methods both with tai-yi moxa stick in treating primary dysmenorrhea. Methods： Forty-three patients were randomized into two groups by the random number table according to their treatment orders. The causalgic group was intervened by causalgic stimulation with tai-yi moxa stick while the tepid group was treated by mild thermal stimulation with tai-yi moxa stick. Shiqizhui（EX-B 8） was selected for both groups. Visual analogue scale（VAS） was used for observation before and during the treatment by every 10 min to compare the clinical efficacies between the two groups. Results： Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups（P〉0.05）. After treatment, both groups achieved significant improvements in pain intensity（P 〈 0.05）, but the inter-group difference in pain intensity was still statistically insignificant（P 〉 0.05）, but the difference was enlarged comparing with that before treatment. The pain relief during the first 10 min of treatment was slower in the causalgic group than that in the tepid group. However, during the later 20 min, the pain relief in the calsalgia group gradually outpaced that in the tepid group. Conclusion： The two moxibustion methods with tai-yi moxa stick both have a good instant analgesic effect in treating primary dysmenorrhea. For patients with primary dysmenorrhea, if 30 min is regarded as the treatment time, mild stimulation was suggested to be used for the first 10 min, and causalgic stimulation for the later 20 min to achieve a better curative effect.     

Clinical Study on Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy plus Electroacupuncture for Myofascial Pain Syndrome简

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of extracorporeal shock wave plus electroacupuncture（EA） on myofascial pain syndrome（MPS） and to investigate its treatment mechanism. Methods： Ninety cases who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into an EA group, an extracorporeal shock wave therapy（ESWT） group and a combined therapy group, 30 in each group. EA was employed in the EA group, extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the ESWT group and EA plus extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the combined therapy group. The VAS, tenderness threshold and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated after three months of treatment. Results： After 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 3 months of treatment, the VAS scores in all three groups were significantly reduced and the tenderness threshold significantly elevated. The recovery rate and total effective rate were 23.3% and 83.3% respectively in the EA group, versus 40.0% and 90.0% in the ESWT group and 63.3% and 96.7% in the combined therapy group, showing statistical differences（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： EA combined with EWST works remarkably well for MPS.     

Observation on warm needling therapy for third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome

Objective： To observe the effect of warm needling therapy plus acupuncture on third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome. Methods： Sixty cases of third lumbar vertebra transverseprocess syndrome were randomly divided into a warm needling groupor an acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. Cases in the acupuncture group were treated by routine points and needle sticking manipulation, while those in the warm needling group were treated by moxibustion plus needling as same as the acupuncture group. Japanese orthopedic association scores （JOA） in the two groups were observed and compared after 2 treatment courses. Results： After treatment, the JOA score in the warm needling group was higher than that in the acupuncture group （P〈0.01）; subjective symptom, clinical syndromes, activity of daily living （ADL） in the warm needling group were all higher than those in the acupuncture group （allP〈0.05）; the score of pain in the warm needling group was significantly lower than that in the acupuncture group （P〈0.01）; the total effective rate in the warm needling group was 76.7%, versus 70.0% in the acupuncture group, showing a statistically significant difference （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Warm needling therapy is more effective thannormal acupuncture in treating third lumbar vertebra transverseprocess syndrome.     

Observation on Clinical Effects of Electroacupuncture for Migraine Without Aura简

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of electroacupuncture（EA） for migraine without aura. Methods： The migraine patients in conformity with the conditions were randomly divided into two groups, 34 cases in each group. The treatment group was given EA and the control group was given the routine acupuncture treatment, to observe various pain indexes respectively before and one month after the treatment. Results： The general effect was remarkably better in the treatment group than that in the control group（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： EA is an effective therapy for migraine without aura.     

Observation on instant analgesic effect of Governor Vessel-regulating and collateral-unblocking acupuncture method for primary headache

Objective

To observe the instant analgesic effect of Governor Vessel-regulating and collateral-unblocking acupuncture method in treating primary headache and to inherit and carry forward the academic achievements of Gao’s acupuncture school in Yanzhao (Hebei Province) area.

Methods

Eighty eligible primary headache patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group following their visiting sequence, 40 patients in each group. The observation group was intervened by Yanzhao Gao’s Governor Vessel-regulating and collateral-unblocking acupuncture, and the control group was intervened by ordinary acupuncture method. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the headache intensity before and after the first treatment session in the two groups, to compare the instant analgesic effect of the two acupuncture methods.

Results

After the first treatment session, the VAS scores dropped significantly in both groups (both P<0.05). The change of VAS score after the initial treatment in the observation group was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). The percentage of patients with headache completely vanished instantly after the first treatment was markedly higher in the observation group than that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The two acupuncture methods both can produce a significant instant analgesic effect in treating primary headache, while Yanzhao Gao’s Governor Vessel-regulating and collateral-unblocking acupuncture method is superior to ordinary acupuncture method.

     

Clinical observation on Dong’s extraordinary points for tinnitus due to cervical spondylosis

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of Dong＇s extraordinary points in treating tinnitus due to cervical spondylosis. Methods： Totally 140 eligible subjects diagnosed with tinnitus due to cervical spondylosis were randomized into two groups, seventy in the treatment group were intervened by acupuncture at Dong＇s extraordinary points; seventy in the control group were intervened by acupuncture at cervical Jiaji （EX-B 2） and distal points on limbs. Therapeutic efficacy was observed after a treatment course. Results： The total effective rate was 95.7% in the treatment group versus 85.7% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Compared to traditional point selection, acupuncture at Dong＇s extraordinary points has advantages of fewer points, less pain, faster effect, and better therapeutic efficacy.     

Therapeutic efficacy observation on combining acupuncture and chinese herbal fumigation for cervical radiculopathy

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of needling eight neck points and Chinese herbal fumigation for cervical radiculopathy. Methods： A total of 85 cases who met the inclusion criteria of cervical radiculopathy were allocated into a Jiaji （EX-B 2） points group, an eight neck points group and a comprehensive therapy group according to single-blind randomized controlled trial design. The 27 cases in the Jiaji （EX-B 2） points group were treated with needling cervical Jiaji （EX-B 2） points. The 28 cases in the eight neck points group were treated with needling the eight neck points. The 30 cases in the comprehensive therapy group were treated with needling the eight neck points coupled with Chinese herbal fumigation over the affected area. Before and after treatment, the symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） were graded and the short-form McGill pain questionnaire （SF-MQP） was employed to test pain rating index （PRI）, visual analogue scale （VAS） and present pain intensity （PPI）. In addition, therapeutic efficacies were compared among three groups. Results： After treatment, all SF-MPO, scores in three groups were significantly reduced, and there were inter-group statistical significant in comparison of scores differences between before and after treatment （P〈O.01）; there were inter-group statistical differences in the total effective rate （P〈O.05）. Conclusion： Needling the cervical Jiaji （EX-B 2） points and eight neck points can both alleviate pain in cervical radiculopathy patient. However, combining needling the eight neck points and Chinese herbal fumigation can obtain the better effect.     

Clinical observation on treatment of insomnia with puncturing Back-Shu acupoints

Objective： To evaluate the clinical efficacy of puncturing Back-Shu acupoints for insomnia. Methods： Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups, 30 cases in each. Back-Shu acupoints acupuncture was employed in the treatment group, whereas conventional acupoints acupuncture was administered in the control group. And the efficacy was assessed by the efficiency rate of relief of sleep disorders and the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index （PSOJ） score. Results： The total effective rate was 93.3% in the treatment group, versus 80.0% in the control group, showing that the two groups were significantly different （P〈0.01）. After treatment, the global PSO, I scores in the two groups decreased compared with those before treatment （P〈0.01）, and the global PSO, I scores of the two groups after treatment were also statistically different （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Puncturing Back-Shu acupoints can effectively reduce the global PSQI score, improve the patient＇s quality of life, has a good effect on insomnia.     

Therapeutic efficacy of tuina in treating 48 cases with knee osteoarthritis

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of tuina in treating knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. Methods： Forty-eight cases with KOA who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and received tuina therapy. Visual analogue scale （VAS） was used to evaluate pain degree. VAS, range of motion （ROM） and Lysholm score were observed before and after intervention to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Results： After treatment, VAS score, ROM and Lysholm score were significantly improved, and the total effective rate was 87.5%. Conclusion： The therapeutic efficacy of tuina in treating KOA was reliable.     

Capillary blood flow in patients with dysmenorrhea treated with acupuncture

Objective

To observe capillary blood flow at acupoints during acupuncture treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and gain new insights into its analgesic mechanism.

Methods

Patients with primary dysmenorrhea were enrolled and randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. Subjects' symptoms were differentiated into various Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes and treated for 10 sessions with puncturing acupuncture or self-pressing right-hand Hegu (LI 4), adding other acupoints based on syndrome. Laser speckle was used to compare the change in the vasomotor amplitude and perfusion of the capillaries in Hegu (LI 4) before and during the treatment. Each subject was required to finish the period pain symptoms observation form, verbal rating scales, numerical rating scale, pain rating index, face rating scale, Zung self-rating depression scale, Zung self-rating anxiety scale, and numerical rating scale before and after treatments.

Results

After 10 sessions, the symptom scores, pain index (PI), and visual analog scale (VAS) decreased significantly in treatment group. The volume of blood flow in Hegu (LI 4) declined slightly. No significant evidence supported that needling caused capillary contraction, but the capillary vasomotor amplitude at Hegu (LI 4) increased remarkably.

Conclusion

Acupuncture can increase the capillary blood flow, thus promoting the flow of Qi and blood in terms of TCM theory, which facilitates pain relief.     

Observation on clinical efficacy of warm needling therapy for chronic lumbar strain

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling therapy for chronic lumbar strain.

Methods

A total of 60 patients with chronic lumbar strain who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into a treatment group and a control group by the random number table, with 30 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated with warm needling therapy, while the control group was treated with ordinary acupuncture treatment. The treatments were both performed once every other day, and 7 times constituted a course of treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) score was used to assess the degree of pain and the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.

Results

The total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores of both groups decreased significantly, and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). The VAS score of the treatment group after treatment was statistically different from that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Warm needling therapy has a better curative effect than ordinary acupuncture in the treatment of chronic lumbar strain.