Efficacy observation on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type treated by the warm needling at Jiáj ( EX-B 2) and tapping with plum-blossom needle

Abstract

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type treated by warm needling therapy at Jiáj▪ (▪ EX-B 2) and plum-blossom needle therapy. MethodsAccording to the random number table, 150 cases of cervical spondylosis of nerve root type were randomized into an acupuncture-moxibustion group (75 cases) and a control group (75 cases). In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, the warm needling at EX-B 2 and tapping with plum-blossom needle were applied. EX-B 2 on the affected segments were selected and stimulated with warm needling technique for 20–30 min. Afterward, the plum-blossom needle was used to tap the skin around the acupoints, for 3 min on each site. The treatment was given once every day. Seven treatments made one session. The interval between two sessions was 1 day. In the control group, the medication was used in combination with traction therapy. The intravenous drip with 5% glucose 250 mL and compound salvia miltiorrhiza injection 40 mL was used, once a day. In traction treatment, the patient was in a sitting position, neck anteflexion at 15°-30°, traction force at 10%–20% of the body mass, for 20–30 min in each time. The treatment was given once every day. The appointed person evaluated therapeutic effects after the three sessions of treatment in the two groups. ResultsThe clinical curative rate was 49.3% (37/75) and the total effective rate was 94.7% (71/75) in the acupuncture-moxibustion group and those were 24.0% (18/75) and 81.3% (61/75) respectively in the control group. The total effective rate and clinical curative rate in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were superior to the control group (both P<0.05). In the comparison of the duration of treatment and effect in the cured patients between the two groups, the curative rate in the 1st session of treatment in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). In the comparison of the 6-month follow-up visit in the cured patients between the two groups, the effect in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was much more stable (P<0.05). ConclusionThe warm needling therapy at EX-B 2 and tapping therapy with plum-blossom needle achieve the significant effect on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type.