Observations on the Efficacy of Acupoint Application with Direct Current in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of acupoint application with direct current in treating ankylosing spondylitis. MethodA clinical controlled trial was carried out. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to two groups. The treatment group was given acupoint application with direct current plus sulfasalazine and the control group, sulfasalazine alone. The course of treatment was two months. Inflammation indices, and the SF-36 health survey, BASDI, BASFI, night pain VAS and spinal pain VAS scores, and liver and kidney functions were observed in the patients before and after treatment.ResultInflammation indices, and the SF-36 health survey, BASDI, BASFI, night pain VAS and spinal pain VAS scores took a turn for the better in both groups after treatment. The therapeutic effect was better and the TCM symptom score was lowerin the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionAcupoint application with direct current for treating winter diseases in summer has a therapeutic effect on ankylosing spondylitis.