Exploration of the therapeutic effect and clinical outcomes of acupuncture at pain-sensitive points to treat chronic nonspecific low back pain: Application of the acupoint sensitization theory 基于穴位敏化理论探讨针刺痛敏点对慢性非特异性腰痛患者的临床疗效

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the clinical and therapeutic effects of acupuncture at the pain-sensitive points of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain and optimize the acupuncture treatment for chronic nonspecific low back pain.Methods Using the FDK 20 pressure algometer, the pain-sensitive points were probed in 30 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The top 5 points that elicited the most painful reaction were selected and stimulated with an even-needling technique after deqi. The needles were retained for 30 min. TDP irradiation was concurrently administered. The treatment was administered once daily on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and discontinued for 2 days during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday). The treatment lasted for 2 consecutive weeks. The changes in the range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar vertebrae, visual analogous scale (VAS) score, and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score of the lumbar vertebrae were assessed before treatment and after 5 and 10 treatment sessions.Results Compared with the data before treatment, the spinal ROM increased after 5 and 10 treatment sessions in the patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.The ROM after 10 treatment sessions was remarkably wider than that after 5 treatments, with statistical significance (all P < 0.05). Compared with that before treatment, the immediate VAS score showed statistically significant reduction after 5 treatment sessions (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the score after 5 treatment sessions, the immediate VAS score reduced after 10 treatment sessions, but without any statistical significance. After 5 and 10 treatment sessions, the ODI score was reduced in the patients and it was significantly different from that before treatment (both P < 0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture at the pain-sensitive points alleviates pain and improves lumbar vertebral function in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Thus, further research is needed to confirm whether acupuncture can be a better intervention for chronic nonspecific low back pain.