Acupuncture combined with moxibustion plaster for nerve-root type cervical spondylosis / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with moxi-bustion plaster and electroacupuncture (EA) for nerve-root type cervical spondylosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 casesof nerve-root type cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into a plaster group and an EA group, 30 cases ineach one. Patients in the plaster group were treated with regular acupuncture at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points and ashipoints, combined with moxibustion plaster at Gaohuang (BL 43); patients in the EA group were treated with EAat identical acupoints as plaster group. The treatment was given once a day, and 5 days were taken as one course;there was an interval of 2 days between courses and totally 2 courses were performed. The pain questionnaires andquantitative score of signs and symptoms were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinicalefficacy of the two groups was compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 96. 7% (29/30) in the plastergroup, which was not significantly different from 93. 3% (28/30) in the EA group (P>0. 05). After treatment,PRI, VAS and PPI were all reduced in the two groups (all P<C. 01), which were also significantly different be-tween the two groups (all P<0. 05). The quantitative score of each sign and symptom was increased after treat-ment in the two groups (all P<0. 01). Compared with the EA group, the work and life ability, function, feelingand strength of hand were increased in the plaster groups (all P<. 05). Pain score of neck and shoulder aftertreatment in the EA group was higher than the plaster group (all P<0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture combinedwith moxibustion plaster and EA both have superior clinical efficacy for nerve-root type cervical spondylosis; EA issuperior to acupuncture combined with moxibustion plaster on relieving pain, while acupuncture combined withmoxibustion plaster is superior to EA on improving life quality, muscle strength and feeling.</p>