ABSTRACT
Objective To observe and compare the clinical efficacies between electroacupuncture and warm needling in treating low back pain.Method Seventy-eight eligible low back pain patients were randomized into group A of 28 cases, group B of 26 cases, and group C of 24 cases. Group A was intervened by electroacupuncture, group B was by warm needling, and group C was by medication. The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (JOA), and Oswestry Disability Index were observed before and after treatment, and the therapeutic efficacies were compared.Result In group A, the McGill item scores [Sensory Pain Rating Index (S-PRI), Affective Pain Rating Index (A-PRI)] respectively after 1-week and 2-week treatment as well as in the 1-month and 3-month follow-up were significantly different from that before treatment (P<0.01,P<0.05). In group B and C, the McGill item scores after 2-week treatment and in the 1-month and 3-month follow-up were significantly different from that before treatment in the same group (P<0.01,P<0.05). The JOA and Oswestry scores were significantly changed respectively after 1-week and 2-week treatment and in the 1-month and 3-month follow-up in the three groups compared with that before treatment (P<0.05,P<0.01). After 1-week and 2-week treatment and in the 1-month and 3-month follow-up, the JOA and Oswestry scores in group A were significantly different from that in group C (P<0.05,P<0.01). In the 1-month and 3-month follow-up, the JOA scores in group B were significantly different from that in group C (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 85.7% in group A and 73.1% in group B, both significantly higher than 58.3% in group C (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture and warm needling both can produce a significant efficacy in treating low back pain, but warm needling acts comparatively slowly and is less safe.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of and regularities in the application of points for acupuncture treatment of diabetes in clinical literature.MethodOne hundred and two pieces of clinical literature on acupuncture treatment for diabetes published from 1998 to 2013 were sorted out, sifted, entered and statistically analyzed using modern computer and data mining technology to summarize the characteristics of and regularities in the application of acupoints in the literature.ResultSanyinjiao was the most frequently used point for acupuncture treatment of diabetes (68). Two points[Pishu(BL20)and Shenshu(BL23)], three points[Pishu, Shenshu andSanyinjiao(SP6); Weiwanxiashu(Ex-B3), Pishu and Shenshu], four points[Zusanli(ST36),Pishu, Shenshu and Sanyinjiao]and five points[Zusanli, Pishu, Shenshu, Weiwanxiashu and Sanyinjiao]were the most frequently used point combinations. The most frequently used meridian was the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang (260). The selected points were distributed on the back and the lower limb. The proportion of used specific points reached 74.5%. Five Shu points and Back-Shu points were used most frequently. The proportion of using manual acupuncture was 57.6%. Treatments with the cooperation of Dietary control and exercise conditioning accounted for 64.4%.ConclusionAcupuncture treatment of diabetes is mainly based on regulating the middle Jiao, with the upper Jiao and the lower Jiao taken into account. Specific points are the main part of point combinations. Manual acupuncture is the main treatment and meanwhile, attention is paid to adjusting life style.