ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the difference of treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with needling Yangchi point and moxibustion on Yangchi point.Methods 38 cases of CTS were randomly recruited into a treatment group (19 cases) and a control group (19 cases).The treatment group was treated with electric acupuncture on Yangchi point and the control group was treated with moxibustion on Yangchi point.VAS (visual analogue scale) and GSS (overall symptom score table) scores were measured before and after the treatment.Results After the treatment VAS,GSS scores were (3.95± 1.87),(13.42±7.81) in the treatment group and (4.26±2.38),(14.63±9.97) in the control group,both decreased than those in the same group before the treatment [treatment group were (6.89± 1.56),(25.58±8.09) ; the control group were (5.79± 1.69),(20.37±8.67)],and the difference between the two groups was significant (t=-3.06,-3.39,P＜0.05).3 months follow-up after the treatment,the value of VAS and GSS scores in treatment group were (3.29±2.31)％ and (8.06±7.77); in the control group were (3.28±2.95) and (10.44±9.82),both decreased than those in the same group before the treatment [treatment group were (6.76± 1.56),(24.76±8.17); the control group were (5.78± 1.73),(20.33± 8.92) (P＜0.05)].The difference of VAS score was not significant between the two group (t=-1.49,P＞0.05); while the difference of GSS score showed statistical difference between the two groups (t=-2.64,P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupunctureon Yangchi point can effectively improve pain,numbness and motor activity in patients with the carpal tunnel syndrome.