Objective

2

To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion in treating low back pain with cold-damp.

Methods

2

Seventy-two patients of low back pain with cold-damp were randomly divided into an observation group (36 cases

1 case was eliminated) and a control group (36 cases

1 case dropped out). The control group received acupuncture at Jizhong (GV6)

Yaoyangguan (GV3)

ashi

points

bilateral Shenshu (BL23)

Dachangshu (BL25)

and Weizhong (BL40) for 30 min daily. The observation group was treated with thunder-fire moxibustion in addition to the same acupuncture regimen as the control group

once daily. Both groups were treated for 6 consecutive days followed by one rest day

for a total duration of 4 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) score

Oswestry disability index (ODI) score

Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score

present pain intensity (PPI) score

and serum levels of β-endorphin (β-EP)

5-hydroxytryp tamin (5-HT)

and substance P (SP) were compared before and after treatment

and the clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups.

Results

2

Compared before treatment

the VAS scores

ODI scores

PPI scores

and serum levels of 5-HT and SP were decreased (

P

<

0.01)

while JOA scores and serum levels of β-EP were increased (

P

<

0.01) in both groups after treatment. The observation group showed lower VAS

ODI

and PPI scores and serum levels of 5-HT and SP than those in the control group (

P

<

0.05)

as well as higher JOA score and serum level of β-EP (

P

<

0.05). The total effective rate in the observ

ation group was 94.3% (33/35)

higher than 82.9% (29/35) in the control group (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Acupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion could effectively alleviate pain and improve lumbar function in patients of low back pain with cold-damp

possibly by regulating β-EP

5-HT

and SP levels.