Synovial Cyst of the Lumbar Spine Treated With Electroacupuncture

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine are an uncommon cause of low back and radicular pain. The role of acupuncture in this condition is not well-defined. Objectives: To report a case of radicular pain due to synovial cyst treated with electroacupuncture and to review the literature on this topic. Design, Setting, and Patient: A patient presented to the Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic in Victoria, Australia, with severe left leg radicular pain for a month. On x-ray computed tomography, there was a large rim calcified left L5-S1 related synovial cyst. Intervention: The first acupoint was Extra 15 at the 5th lumar vertebra level (L5 Jiaji), another 2 were Ah Shi points. Two needles were punctured perpendicularly to reach approximately 50 mm deep and were connected to the stimulator. The middle acupuncture needle also reached a depth of approximately 50 mm. Main Outcome Measure: Patient report of low back and leg pain. Results: After 6 sessions (3 weeks), the patient's low back a...