“夹脊”电针调控HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB信号通路抑制脊髓损伤大鼠炎性反应的机制研究

目的:观察“夹脊”电针对脊髓损伤(SCI)大鼠高迁移率族蛋白1(HMGB1)/Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)通路相关蛋白及炎性因子表达的影响,探讨“夹脊”电针抑制SCI大鼠炎性反应促进神经功能恢复的可能机制及时间动态规律。方法:54只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、电针组,每组分为3、7、14 d 3个亚组,每个亚组6只。采用Allen’s法制备SCI大鼠模型。电针组于造模后1 d取双侧胸(T)9、T11“夹脊”行电针干预,密波(100 Hz),电流强度1 mA,1次/d,每次30 min,分别治疗3、7、14 d。采用运动功能(BBB)评分量表观察各组大鼠后肢运动功能;HE染色观察脊髓组织病理形态;ELISA法检测脊髓组织中诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、环氧合酶-2(COX-2)的含量;Western blot及免疫荧光染色法分别检测脊髓组织HMGB1、TLR4、NF-κB p65的蛋白相对表达量和荧光阳性表达。结果:与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠造模后和治疗后各时间点BBB评分降低(P<0.05),神经元数量大幅减少、炎性浸润严重,脊髓组织iNOS、COX-2含量升高(P<0.05),HMGB1、TLR4、NF-κB p65的蛋白表达及荧光阳性表达升高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,分别治疗3、7、14 d后电针组大鼠的BBB评分升高(P<0.05),神经元丢失及炎性浸润情况得到改善,脊髓组织iNOS、COX-2含量降低(P<0.05),HMGB1、TLR4、NF-κB p65的蛋白表达及荧光阳性表达减少(P<0.05)。结论:“夹脊”电针通过调节HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB信号通路,下调iNOS和COX-2的表达,从而抑制SCI后神经炎性反应,促进SCI神经功能恢复。

CLINICAL RESEARCH OF JIAJI(夹脊EX-B2) IN TREATMENT OF SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Objective To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of Jiájǐ（夹脊EX-B2） on spastic cerebral palsy （SOP） with acupuncture.Methods 62 cases of SOP were randomized into two groups,named treat- ment group with acupuncture on Jiájǐ（夹脊EX-B2）,and control group with sham-acupuncture.The treatment was applied once a day,10 times made a course,totally 6 courses were required.Modified Ashworth scale and FIM grade were used to observe and assess the results of treatment.Results The total effective rate was 84.4 % in treatment group and was 63.3 % in control group,indicating significant difference （P〈0.01）. Conclusion Acupuncture on Jiájǐ（夹脊EX-B2） achieves good clinical therapeutic effects on SCP.

针刺华佗夹脊穴配合调曲为主治疗椎管狭窄症——189例疗效报告

目的：观察针刺华佗夹脊穴配合调曲为主治疗椎管狭窄症的临床效果。方法：189例各类型椎管狭窄症患者，采取骨空针法针刺C4-T5、T12-L5华佗夹脊穴为主，配合牵引调椎曲为主的整脊综合疗法，观察治疗效果。结果：总有效率96．8％，其中临床治愈率31．7％，平均28个月随访优良率89．9％。结论。椎管狭窄症是节段性的、动态的狭窄，通过针刺华佗夹脊穴配合调曲为主治疗可以治愈，且效果满意。

CT引导下夹脊穴臭氧注射治疗腰椎间盘突出症临床观察

目的:观察在CT引导下夹脊穴臭氧注射治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效,探讨臭氧治疗的作用机制。方法:选取2014年1月-2016年1月期间在我科住院治疗的该病患者150例,随机分为治疗组75例、对照组75例。治疗组在对照组的治疗基础上行夹脊穴臭氧注射5～10mL,每周治疗2次为一个疗程,共治疗2个疗程。治疗结束后,对所有完成的患者进行跟踪随访1年。结果:治疗组患者的视觉模拟评分(VSA)与临床痊愈率均优于对照组(P <0.05);1年内复发率也明显低于对照组(P <0.05)。结论:夹脊穴臭氧注射治疗腰椎间盘突出症能明显解除患者的疼痛症状,改善体征,疗效显著,值得推广应用。

AN OBSERVATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF WARMING NEEDLING TECHNIQUE ON JIAJI POINTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON EEG-α WAVE IN PATIENTS

Objective To discuss the therapeutic effect and mechanism of warming needling technique for the treatment of depression. Methods A total of 60 patients with depression were randomly divided into treatment group and control group with 30 cases each. The treatment group was treated with warming needle technique on the Jiaji points of the heart, lung, liver, spleen and kidney, control group with Amitriptyline, HAMD scale and the qualitative change of EEG-α wave were observed before and after the treatment. Results The total effective rate of treatment group was 100%, much better than that of the control group with 80% (P<0.05); the HAMD scale of treatment group was better than that of control group (P<0.05); the comparison of the improvement of somatic symptoms between treatment group and control group was significant (P<0.05); the comparison of frequency and amplitude of EEG-α wave was significant (P<0.05), there was no toxic and side effect in the treatment group. Conclusion Warming needling technique for depression has better effect than Amitriptyline, and there was no toxic and side effect in the treatment group. Warming needle technique can effectively regulate the frequency and amplitude EEG-α wave, and acts to improve depressive condition.

Spinal stenosis treated with acupuncture on Huátuó Jiájǐ(夹脊EX-B 2) and vertebral curvature adjustment:report of therapeutic effect on 189 cases

Objective To observe the clinical effects on spinal stenosis treated with acupuncture on Huatuo Jiaji （夹脊EX-B 2） and vertebral curvature adjustment. Methods Comprehensive therapy was applied to all of 189 cases of any type of spinal stenosis, in which gukong needling technique was applied to Huatuo Jiaji （夹脊EX-B 2） at C4 - T5 and T12 - L5, associated with vertebral curvature adjustment with traction. The therapeutic effects were observed. Results Total effective rate was 96.8%, in which, clinical cured rate was 31.7% and excellent and good rate was 89.9% in average 28-month fol- low-up visit. Conclusion Spinal stenosis is segmental dynamic stenosis. It can be cured by acupuncture on Huatuo Jiaji （夹脊EX-B 2） and vertebral curvature adjustment and satisfactory result is achieved.

Intractable post-herpetic neuralgia in the trunk treated with point injection at Jiájǐ(夹脊 EX-B 2)

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the efficacy difference between point injection at Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） and oral medication in the treatment of intractable post-herpetic neuralgia （PHN） in the trunk. Methods One hundred and thirty cases were randomly divided into an point injection group and an medication group, 65 cases in each one. In point injection group, according to the invasion site of herpes zoster, Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） of corresponding segments and the meridian points on skin lesion areas, such as Fengchi （风池GB 20）, Tianzhu （天柱 BL 10）, Feishu （肺俞 BL 13） and Geguan （膈关 BL 46） were selected and injected with the mixed solution of compound Betamethasone （administered only in the first injection）, Vitamin B12 and Lidoeaine Carbonate, 2 mL on each point, once per day. In medication group, Diclofenac Sodium sustained release tablets, 75 mg were administered, twice per day. The clinical efficacy was compared 10 days later between two groups. Results The total effective rate in point injection group was 100.0% （65/65）, which was better than 66.1% （43/65） in medication group （P〈0.01）. Conclusion Point injection mainly at Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） is effective significantly on intractable PHN in the trunk, which is superior to Diclofenac Sodium sustained release tablets.

Efficacy observation on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type treated by the warm needling at Jiájǐ(夹脊EX-B 2) and tapping with plum-blossom needle

Objective To observe the clinical effect on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type treated by warm needling therapy at Jiáj （夹脊 EX-B 2） and plum-blossom needle therapy. Methods According to the random number table, 150 cases of cervical spondylosis of nerve root type were randomized into an acupuncture-moxibustion group （75 cases） and a control group （75 cases）. In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, the warm needling at EX-B 2 and tapping with plum-blossom needle were applied. EX-B 2 on the affected segments were selected and stimulated with warm needling technique for 20– 30 min. Afterward, the plum-blossom needle was used to tap the skin around the acupoints, for 3 min on each site. The treatment was given once every day. Seven treatments made one session. The interval between two sessions was 1 day. In the control group, the medication was used in combination with traction therapy. The intravenous drip with 5% glucose 250 mL and compound salvia miltiorrhiza injection 40 mL was used, once a day. In traction treatment, the patient was in a sitting position, neck anteflexion at 15°–30°, traction force at 10%–20% of the body mass, for 20–30 min in each time. The treatment was given once every day. The appointed person evaluated therapeutic effects after the three sessions of treatment in the two groups. Results The clinical curative rate was 49.3% （37/75） and the total effective rate was 94.7% （71/75） in the acupuncture-moxibustion group and those were 24.0% （18/75） and 81.3% （61/75） respectively in the control group. The total effective rate and clinical curative rate in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were superior to the control group （both P0.05）. In the comparison of the duration of treatment and effect in the cured patients between the two groups, the curative rate in the 1st session of treatment in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the control group （P0.05）. In the comparison of the 6-month follow-up visit in the cured patients between the two groups, the effect in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was much more stable （P0.05）. Conclusion The warm needling therapy at EX-B 2 and tapping therapy with plum-blossom needle achieve the significant effect on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type.

The effect of acupuncture at “Jǐng Jiājǐ”(颈夹脊) on auditory brainstem response threshold of guinea pigs with sensorineural hearing loss

Objective To explore the effect of acupuncture at ＂Jing Jiaji＂ （颈夹背） on sudden hearing loss by observing the changes of the threshold of auditory brainstem response （ABR） of deaf guinea pigs. Methods Sixty healthy guinea pigs were selected, with computer randomization, 20 were randomly divided into a normal control group （group A）, while the rest were randomly and equally divided into a model group （group B） and an acupuncture group （group C） when turned deaf after gentamycin sulfate and furosemide were administered. No treatment was administered for either the group A or the group B, while acupuncture at ＂Jing Jiaji＂ was given for the group C for 30 days. The ABR thresholds of each group were observed and recorded separately after the treatment for 15 days and 30 days. Results The ABR threshold in the group C was lower than that in the group B after the treatment of 15 days （P〈O.05）. After the treatment of 30 days, the ABR threshold in the group C was obviously lower than that in the group B （P〈0.01）, and was obviously lower than that before acupuncture （P〈0.01）. Conclusion Acupuncture at ＂Jing Jiaji＂ has definite effect on improving the hearing of deaf guinea pigs.

Electroacupuncture at jiājǐ(夹脊 EX-B2) for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation:A randomized controlled trial

Objective： To compare the effect differences of electroacupuncture（EA） at Jiajǐ（夹脊 EX-B2） and conventional acupoints for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation（LIDH） and the factors influenced the effect during the way of data mining.Methods： A total of 160 patients of LIDH were randomly assigned into the EX-B2 group and the conventional acupoints group, 80 cases in each one. The patients in the EX-B2 group received EA at the symmetrical 2 acupoints of the bilateral EX-B2 on the lesion part. The patients in the conventional acupoints group received EA at the tender point of the lesion part, Zhibian（ 秩边BL54）, Huantiao（环跳 GB30）,weǐzhōng（委中BL40）, Chéngshān（承山BL57） and Fúyáng（跗阳BL59） on the affected side. The retain time of the needles is both 45 min. The treatment of the two groups is 3 times a week and for a connective 20 times. The modified Assessment Criteria for Low Lumbar Pain of Japanese Orthopedic Association（JOA）,Visual Analogue Scale（VAS） were evaluated before and after the treatment and at the 6-month follow up.Results：（1） Effective outcomes. JOA score： The JOA score of the patients in the EX-B2 group after treatment was（20.89 士 3.43）, and was（19.35 ±4.02） on the follow-up. Compared with the JOA score（12.35 ±4.42） in the same group before the treatment, there were statistical significant higher（both P0.05）. The JOA score in the EX-B2 group after treatment and on the follow-up were both higher than that of the conventional acupoints group at the same time point（both P0.05）. VAS score： The VAS score of the patients in the EX-B2 group on the 24 h after the first treatment was（4.09 ± 1.81）, and was（2.11 ± 1.30） after the treatment. Compared with the VAS score（4.09 ± 1.81） in the same group before the treatment, there were statistical significant lower（both P0.05）. The VAS score in the EX-B2 group on the 24 h after the first treatment and after treatment showed no statistical differences than that of the conventional acupoints group at the same time point（both P0.05）.（2）Related results from data mining： The middle-aged people and disease duration less than six months, their effect of the immediate treatment was the best. According to JOA score, EA at EX-B2 was better than EA conventional acupoints,either in the process of treatment effect, or in pertinence of the treatment, which were superior to EA conventional acupoints therapy; The best curative effect time of EA at EX-B2 was the first treatment after24 h, and the best curative effect of the conventional acupoints was after the first treatment. The age and disease duration also affected curative effect.Conclusion： The effect of EA at EX-B2 was superior to the conventional acupoints in treating LIDH.

The effect of acupuncture at Jǐngjiājǐ(颈夹脊) on the repair and regeneration of cochlear hair cells of rats with sensorineural deafness

Objective： To observe the effect of acupuncture at Jǐngjiājǐ（颈夹脊）on the repair and regeneration of cochlear hair cells of guinea pigs with sensorineural deafness.Methods： Sixty healthy guinea pigs were selected, 20 guinea pigs were randomly assigned to the normal control group（group A）, and other guinea pigs were randomly divided into model control group（group B） and acupuncture treatment group（group C） after injection with gentamicin sulfate in order to induce deafness. No intervention was given to the guinea pigs in group A and group B, and acupuncture at Jǐngjiājǐ was given to the guinea pigs in group C for 30 days. ABR threshold, DPOAE amplitudes and hair cells counting of guinea pigs in each group were recorded after intervention for 30 days.Results： After intervention for 30 days, ABR threshold in group C was significantly lower than that in group B（38.46 ±7.36 vs 82.94 ±6.47, P〈0.01）. and the DPOAE amplitudes in group C were obviously higher than that in group B（28.06 ±5.64 vs 25.23 ±5.38, P〈0.01）. The number of cochlear hair cells in group C increased significantly, over 50% of the hair cells survived, accounting for 66.67% of the observation cases. The number of cochlear hair cells in the 3 rd and 4 th gyri was close to the normal level, and plenty of proliferous sustentacular cells can be seen. Compared with group B, the number of cochlear outer hair cells in each gyrus in group C significantly increased（36.76 ±1.97 vs 28.59±2.24, P〈0.01）, indicating that acupuncture at Jǐngjiajǐ can promote the repair and regeneration of cochlear hair cells.Conclusion： Acupuncture at Jǐngjiajǐ can promote the repair and regeneration of cochlear hair cells, thus improving the hearing of guinea pigs with deafness.

Observation on efficacy of treating vascular dementia gait disorder with electro-acupuncture(EA) on Jiājǐ(夹脊 EX-B2) along lumbar vertebra combined with scalp acupuncture

Objective To observe the efficacy of treating vascular dementia gait disorder with electroacupuncture （EA） on Jiaji （夹脊EX-B2） along the lumbar vertebra combined with scalp acupuncture, in order to explore a more effective therapeutic method. Methods Forty-two patients were divided into an acupuncture group and a drug group according to the method of random number table, with 21 cases in each group. EA on EX-B2 from L2 to L5 （bilateral） and scalp acupuncture on Baihui （百会 CV 20） and Sishencong （四神聪EX-HN 1） were applied in the acupuncture group, once a day the course of treatment was 30 days; Duxil was taken orally by the drug group, one pill twice a day for 30 days as a course of treatment. After treatment was completed, the efficacy was evaluated and activities of daily living （ADL） were compared between the two groups. Results The total effectiveness rate for the acupuncture group was 90.5%, which was significantly better than that of the drug group （61.9%）, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.05）; ADL was compared before and after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant （the acupuncture group： 24.52±9.34 vs 32.85±13.56; the drug group： 25.47±10.04 vs 29.99±13.87, both P〈0.01）; after treatment, ADL, including gait disorders, in the acupuncture group was more significantly improved than that of the drug group, and the differences were statistically significant （32.85±13.56 vs 29.99± 13.87, P〈0.01）. Conclusion The efficacy of treating vascular dementia gait disorder with electro-acupuncture （EA） on EX-B2 along lumbar vertebra combined with scalp acupuncture was superior to orally administered Duxil.

Acupuncture at Jǐngjiājǐ(颈夹脊) combined with nape cluster needling in treatment of 100 patients with cervicogenic headache

The authors have adopted acupuncture at Jǐngjiājǐ（颈夹脊） combined with nape cluster needling in treatment of 100 patients with cervicogenic headache. Nape cluster needling was： Xiànǎohù（下脑户）（located in the median depression under occipital bone）, Fēngfǔ（风府 GV 16） and Yǎmén（哑门 GV 15） were selected longitudinally; horizontally, the part from GV 16 to Wángǔ（完骨 GB 12） was divided into six equal sections, one section was an acupoint, and there were 12 acupoints in total at the left and right sides. Bilateral Jǐngjiājǐ（颈夹脊） points on the second vertebra to the seventh vertebra were selected. The acupuncture was conducted once a day, five days were considered as one course of treatment, and two days were free from treatment between two courses. Four courses of treatment were needed. All the patients were cured clinically. It can be seen that acupuncture at Jǐngjiājǐ combined with nape cluster needling in treatment of cervicogenic headache has sound effect.

Treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: acupuncture at neck Jiájǐ points and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at neck Jiájǐ （EX） points and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Methods Sixty cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were divided into a treatment group and a control group with 30 cases in each group. Acupuncture at neck Jiájǐ （EX） points （Extra） and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle were adopted for the treatment group. And acupuncture at neck Jiájǐ （EX） points was adopted for the control group. The therapeutic effect, visual analogue scale （VAS） and the numbness score were observed after 2 treatment courses. Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was 86.7% （26/30）, while the rate of the control group was 83.3% （25/30）. Comparison of the differences of the two groups was without statistic significance （P0.05）. The VAS scores of the two groups after treatment were both improved （both P0.01）, but without statistic significance between the two groups （P0.05）. The numbness scores of the two groups after treatment were both better than those before treatment （P0.01）. The therapeutic effect on numbness of the extremities of the treatment group was better than that of the control group （P0.05）. Conclusion Blood-letting puncture with the plum flower needle has a satisfactory effect on treatment of numbness of the extremities of patient with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Application of Nape Acupuncture in Treatment of Vertebral-artery Type Cervical Spondylosis

Objective： To observe the effect of nape acupuncture on vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis. Methods： Eighty patients with vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into nape acupuncture group and Jiaji acupuncture group, with 40 cases in each group. The patients in the nape acupuncture group were treated with the nape acupuncture plus Jiaji acupuncture, while the patients in the Jiaji group were treated with Jiaji acupuncture only, to observe the functional scale before and after treatment. Results： The total effective rate in the nape acupuncture group was 95.0%, while the total effective rate in the Jiaji acupuncture group was 82.5%. By Ridit analysis, u=5.186, P〈0.01. It indicated that the therapeutic effect in the nape acupuncture group was better than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group. Compared with Jiaji acupuncture group, the difference value of pre- and post-treatment about functional scale of vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis and the post-treatment score have statistic differences （P〈0.01）. It indicated that the therapeutic effect of nape acupuncture group was more obvious in treating vertigo than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group. Conclusion： The treatment of vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis by Jiaji acupuncture plus the nape acupuncture may enhance the therapeutic effect significantly.

Treatment of 100 Cases of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy by Electroacupuncture of Jiaji(Ex-B2)plus Oblique Needling Ashi Point

Summary： One hundred patients were diagnosed with cervicalspondylotic radiculopathy definitely by symptoms, signs and Xray examination. The therapeutic method was acupuncture of Jiaji（Ex-B 2） on the affected segment and the upper and lower vertebrae close together. After the arrival of qi, the needles were connected to acupuncture therapeutic instrument. Meanwhile, the numb, heavy and uncomfortable area on the shoulder and upper limb, where something like cord could be touched, was selected as Ashi point. The needle was inserted perpendicularly into the skin on the place that the cord was most obvious and inserted obliquely and deeply along the cord. After 3 4 courses of treatment, 90 cases got marked effectiveness and 10 cases got effectiveness.

Clinical observation of warm needling moxibustion for rheumatoid arthritis

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion at points on the back in treating rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. Methods： Sixty RA patients were randomized into two groups by the random number table, 30 in each group. The observation group was intervened by warm needling moxibustion at the points from the Governor Vessel on the back and Jiaji （EX-B 2） points, while the control group was by regular acupuncture. Results： After intervention, the morning stiffness, joint pain index, joint swelling index and erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR） were significantly improved in both groups （P〈0.01）; the inter-group difference was also statistically significant （P〈0.05）. The total effective rate was 93.3% in the observation group versus 76.6% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Warm needling moxibustion at points from the Governor Vessel on the back and Jiaji （EX-B 2） points can produce a higher efficacy than regular acupuncture in treating RA.

Observation on clinical effects of acupuncture plus cupping therapy for cervical radiculopathy

Objective：To observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus cupping therapy and Western medication alone for cervical radiculopathy.Methods：A total of 139 patients with cervical radiculopathy were randomly divided based on the random digital table into an acupuncture-cupping group（70 cases） and a Western medication group（69 cases）.In the acupuncture-cupping group,Fengchi（GB 20）（bilateral）,Dazhui（GV 14）,Jianjing（GB 21）（bilateral） and Jiaji（EX-B 2） points of the neck [bilateral,midpoint between Fengchi（GB 20） and Dazhui（GV 14）] were punctured.After the arrival of the needling sensation,bilateral Fengchi（GB 20） and Jianjing（GB 21） were linked with electric stimulation and the rest acupoints were manipulated with the moderate needling technique.In the retaining of the needles,TDP lamp radiation was used.After acupuncture,the cupping therapy was applied to the local area.The treatment was given once every other day,20 d for a course.After one course,the therapeutic effects were observed.The Western medication group was treated by oral administration of Meloxicam（Mobic）,7.5 mg,once a day,with water and liquid after meal.The therapeutic effects were observed after 20 d.Results：The total effective rate was 92.8% in the acupuncture-cupping group and 73.9% in the Western medication group,with a statistical difference between the two groups（P〈0.05）.After treatment,the scores of the clinical symptoms of the two groups were obviously declined（P〈0.01）,and the score of the clinical symptoms of the acupuncture-cupping group was better than that of the Western medication group,with a statistical difference（P〈0.05）.Conclusion：Acupuncture plus cupping therapy was more effective than administration of Meloxicam tablets alone in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy.

Clinical Study on Chronic Gastritis Treated by Acupuncture

Objective： To observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in managing chronic gastritis. Methods： The subjects were 102 patients with chronic gastritis, receiving acupuncture at Jiaji （Ex-B 2） plus cupping for treatment. Results： Among the 102 patients, 31 were clinically recovered, 62 got improved, and the total effective rate was 91.2%. Conclusion： Acupuncture therapy is effective in treating chronic gastritis.

Clinical observation on acupuncture at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points plus tuina in treating thoracic facet joint disorder

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of acupuncture at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points plus tuina manipulation for thoracic facet joint disorder, and get new clinical evidence for treatment of thoracic facet joint disorder. Methods： Totally 106 patients with thoracic facet joint disorder were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group based on the random number table. Patients in the control group were treated by tuina manipulation, while those in the observation group were treated by acupuncture at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points before tuina manipulation. Patients in the two groups were treated once a day. The improvements of signs and symptoms and the efficacy were observed after 3 treatments. Results： After treatment, there were intra-group statistical differences in scores of 8 signs and symptoms in both groups （P〈0.01}; the score of each item in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and there was statistical significance in the inter-group difference （P〈0.05）. The cure rate of the observation group was 50.9%, versus 26.4% in the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： In treating thoracic facet joint disorder, acupuncture plus tuina manipulation can restore the biomechanical balance of thoracic vertebrae, fully maximized the combined effect, and significantly improve the clinical efficacy.