ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of Xuefu-Zhuyu decoction combined with interactive acupuncture and ibuprofen sustained-release capsule in the treatment of acute lumbar sprain. Methods A total of 102 patients with acute lumbar sprain were randomly divided into two groups, 51 in each group.The control group received ibuprofen sustained-release capsules orally. The study group was treated with Xuefu-Zhuyu decoction combined with interactive acupuncture on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. The degree of low back pain was assessed by VAS and the improvement of lumbar function was assessed by modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (M-JOA). The Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) was used to evaluate the degree of lumbar dysfunction. The serum hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-10 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level was detected by ELISA. The clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results The total effective rate was 80.4% (41/51) in the study group and 62.8% (32/51) in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups (χ2=3.903, P=0.048). After treatment, the VAS (1.85 ± 0.40 vs. 4.06 ± 0.67, t=20.226), M-JOA (4.41 ± 1.35 vs. 11.18 ± 2.25, t=18.426), and ODI (9.66 ± 3.34 vs. 16.37 ± 3.64, t=9.700) in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The serum level of hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-10 and PGE2 in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment (t were 6.694, 8.416, 22.110 and 12.137, respectively, all P s<0.01). Conclusions The Xuefu-Zhuyu decoction combined with interactive acupuncture and ibuprofen sustained-release capsule can improve the degree of lumbago and lumbar dysfunction in patients with acute lumbar sprain, reduce the level of serum inflammatory cytokines, and improve the clinical efficacy.