Influence of muscle regions of meridians needling method combined with auricular point sticking on pain and range of motion in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain

Objective:To observe the effects of muscle regions of meridians needling method combined with auricular point sticking on pain and lumbar range of motion in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.Methods:A total of 100 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 50 patients in each group.Both groups received auricular point sticking treatment,while the control group received additional conventional acupuncture treatment,and the observation group received additional muscle regions of meridians needling method.The total effective rate of the two groups was compared after 4 weeks of treatment.Before treatment and after 1 week and 4 weeks of treatment,the visual analog scale(VAS)score was used to assess the degree of low back pain,and the modified-modified Schober(MMS)score was used to evaluate the lumbar range of motion.Results:There was statistical significance in comparing the total effective rate between the two groups(P<0.01).During the treatment process,as the number of treatments increased,the VAS score gradually decreased,and the MMS score gradually increased in both groups.After 1 week and 4 weeks of treatment,the VAS score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.01),and the MMS score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.01).During the treatment period,no serious adverse reactions occurred in either group.Conclusion:Based on auricular point sticking treatment,muscle regions of meridians needling method is more effective than conventional acupuncture in treating chronic nonspecific low back pain since it is able to significantly reduce the pain and improve the lumbar range of motion.

如何降低企业用人成本和风险

企业聘人不当,不但增加用人成本,还会带来风险。本文以企业内部招聘体系建立的角度进行探讨,就招聘测评体系、工作态度测评、素质测评、人事测评、招聘测评实施流程几方面进行解析,提了建议,以飨读者。

Therapeutic observation of tuina manipulation for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of balance-impact tuina therapy for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH). Methods: A total of 118 eligible LIDH patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method, with 59 cases in each group. The observation group was intervened by balance-impact tuina therapy, while the control group was intervened by conventional tuina therapy, both for consecutive two weeks. The scores of visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI)Z quality of life questionnaire-core 30 (QOL-C30) were observed before and after treatment;the relapse rate was estimated at the sixth month and twelfth month following the treatment. The data were statistically an a lyzed. Results: After intervention, the total effective rate was 96.6% in the observation group versus 91.5% in the control group, and the between-group differenee was statistically significant (P<0.05). The VAS and ODI scores declined significantly after treatment in both groups (all Pv0.05), and the observation group was markedly lower than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The QOL-C30 score in creased significantly after treatme nt in both groups (both P<0.05), and the observatio n group was markedly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The relapse rates at the post-treatment sixth month and twelfth month in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion: Compared with the conventional tuina therapy, the balance-impact tuina therapy shows advantage in lessening pain, improving the function and enhancing the quality of life in the treatment of LIDH, and it has a lower relapse rate. Thus, this therapy is worth promoting in clinic.

Clinical study on mild moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of mild moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to explore the role of mild moxibustion in relieving pain, reducing stiffness and improving joint dysfunction in patients with KOA. Methods: Eighty patients with KOA were randomly allocated into either a moxibustion group or a medication group by the random number table, with 40 cases in each group. The moxibustion group used mild moxibustion at Neixiyan (EX-LE 5), Dubi (ST 35), Xuehai (SP 10) and Liangqiu (ST 34), 30 min each time, 3 times a week;the medication group was given celecoxib capsule (celebrex), 0.2 g each time, once a day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores were evaluated before and after treatment. The efficacy of the two groups was compared after treatment. Results: After treatme nt, the overall efficacy of the moxibustion group was sign ificantly differ ent from that of the medication group (P<0.05). The VAS and WOMAC scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (both P<0.01). The changes in the VAS and WOMAC scores after treatment in the moxibustion group were significantly different from those in the medication group (both P<0.05). After treatment, in single item of WOMAC, the changes in pain and joint dysfunction in the moxibustion group were more statistically significant than those in the medication group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Mild moxibustion and oral celebrex can reduce the VAS and WOMAC scores of patients with KOA. Mild moxibustion is superior to oral celebrex in relieving pain and improving joint function.

Therapeutic observation on point-toward-point needling at points on the low back regions for residual back pain after percutaneous kyphoplasty

Objective: To observe the effect of point-toward-point needling at points on the low back regions on residual back pain after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), thoracolumbar function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods: A total of 72 patie nts with OVCF and residual back pain after PKP were in eluded and allocated into a treatme nt group (n=36) and a control group (n=36) by the random number table. Cases in the control group received salmon calcitonin injection (miacalcic), for 1 mL each time, once a day, and oral intake of calcium carbonate D3 pill, 600 mg each time, once a day, whereas cases in the treatment group received point-toward-point needling at points on the low back regions and electroacupuneture (EA) for 30 min each time, once a day and 6 times a week on the basis of the treatment in the control group. Treatment in both groups lasted for 2 weeks. Therapeutic efficacy indicators including visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Barthel index (Bl) were evaluated before and after treatment and at follow-up visit (1 month after treatment). Results: The total effective rate was 94.4% and 88.9% in the treatment group after treatment and at the follow-up visit, respectively, higher than 77.8% and 69.4% in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). After treatment and at the follow-up visit, the VAS and ODI scores decreased, and Bl scores in creased in both groups, and the in tra-group differe nces were statistically sign ifica nt (all P<0.05). After treatme nt and at the follow-up visit, between-group differences of VAS, ODI and Bl scores were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion: On the basis of conventional medication treatment, point-toward-point needling at points on the low back regions has a good therapeutic effect in relieving residual back pain after PKR improving thoracolumbar function and QOL, better than conventional medication treatment alone.

Clinical efficacy comparison of moxibustion with different doses for knee osteoarthritis

Objective:To compare the efficacy of moxibustion with different doses for knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and explore the correlation between moxibustion dose and clinical efficacy.Methods:Sixty-eight patients with KOA who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a 20-minute moxibustion group and a 40-minute moxibustion group by the random number table method,with 34 cases in each group.Dubi(ST 35),Neixiyan(EX-LE 4)and Heding(EX-LE 2)were used for moxibustion in the two groups.Each treatment lasted 20 min or 40 min for each point in the 20-minute moxibustion group and 40-minute moxibustion group,separately;the treatment was given 3 times a week and lasted for 4 weeks.The visual analog scale(VAS),Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index(WOMAC)and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom scores were evaluated before and after treatment to compare the efficacy between different moxibustion doses for KOA.Results:After treatment,the total effective rate was 87.5%in the 40-minute moxibustion group,versus 70.0%in the 20-minute moxibustion group,and the difference in the total effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the VAS scores,the total WOMAC scores and the component scores of pain,stiffness and dysfunction,and the TCM symptom scores in both groups all changed significantly when compared with those before treatment(all P<0.05).After treatment,the between-group differences in the VAS score,the total WOMAC score and the component scores of pain and dysfunction,and the TCM symptom score were statistically significant(all P<0.05),while the difference in the stiffness score in WOMAC showed no statistical significance(P>0.05).Conclusion:Either 20-minute moxibustion or 40-minute moxibustion can relieve pain,improve stiffness,dysfunction,and TCM symptoms for KOA;and 40-minute moxibustion is better in relieving pain,improving dysfunction and TCM symptoms.

Clinical efficacy of Tuina manipulations for lumbar disc herniation and its influence on posture-associated indicators

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of sinew-bone balancing manipulation in treating lumbar disc herniation(LDH)and offer clinical evidence to support the concept of paying equal attention to sinew and bone.Methods:Sixty LDH patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 30 cases in each group.The observation group was treated with the sinew-bone balancing manipulation,and the control group received conventional Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)manipulation.The clinical efficacy and posterior muscle chain tone effect were compared between the two groups by observing the visual analog scale(VAS)score,Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score,and posture-associated indicators.Results:The total effective rate was 86.7%in the observation group,higher than 76.7%in the control group,but the between-group difference in efficacy was statistically insignificant(P>0.05).After treatment,the VAS and JOA scores,angle-dependent muscle tone indicator of the posterior muscle chain,and lumbar posture symmetry showed significant changes in both groups(P<0.05).The VAS and JOA scores,angle-dependent muscle tone indicator of the posterior muscle chain,and lumbar posture symmetry in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group after treatment(P<0.05),but the between-group difference in the general posture symmetry was statistically insignificant(P>0.05).Conclusion:Both the sinew-bone balancing and conventional Tuina manipulations can reduce pain in LDH patients,improve lumbar function,and adjust the angle-dependent muscle tone coefficient of the posterior muscle chain and lumbar posture symmetry;except for the general posture symmetry of the posterior muscle chain,the sinew-bone balancing manipulation wins out over the conventional Tuina manipulation.

Therapeutic efficacy observation of warm needling moxibustion plus Tuina for knee osteoarthritis

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)for knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was treated with warm needling moxibustion,and the observation group was treated with additional Tuina treatment.The treatments were performed once every other day,for a total of 10 times.The visual analog scale(VAS)and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index(WOMAC)were scored before and after treatment,and the surface electromyography(sEMG)signals of quadriceps femoris were collected.Results The total effective rate of the control group was 76.7%,and that of the observation group was 90.0%.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).The WOMAC and VAS scores in both groups after treatment were improved,and the integrated electromyography(iEMG)and median frequency(MF)of quadriceps femoris were increased.The intra-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the WOMAC and VAS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The improvement of quadriceps femoris function in the observation group was more notable than that in the control group,and the iEMG value and MF were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Warming needling moxibustion plus Tuina can effectively relieve the pain in patients with KOA,improve their daily activity function,and increase the sEMG signals of the quadriceps femoris.

Clinical study of warm needling moxibustion plus intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate for hip involvement in ankylosing spondylitis

Objective:To observe the efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate for hip involvement in ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods:A total of 60 patients with hip involvement in AS were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 30 cases in each group.The patients in the control group were given an intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate,once a week.The patients in the observation group were given additional warm needling moxibustion,once a day,with a 2-day interval after five consecutive days of treatment.After 5 weeks,changes in such indicators as visual analog scale(VAS)score,Harris score,Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index(BASDAI),Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index(BASFI),serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP),interleukin(IL)-17 were observed,and the efficacy was evaluated.Six months after treatment,Bath ankylosing spondylitis radiology index-hip(BASRI-hip)was evaluated.Results:After treatment,the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the VAS scores in both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the Harris scores of both groups were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Six months after treatment,the BASRI-hip score of the control group was higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),while the score of the observation group was not significantly different from that before treatment(P>0.05)and was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of BASDAI and BASFI of both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of serum COMP and IL-17 of both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the levels of the observation group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate for hip involvement in AS is better than the intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate alone.This combined approach can alleviate hip pain,improve hip functions,delay the destruction of the hip,prevent AS development,and reduce the levels of serum COMP and IL-17.

Evaluation of the effect of acupuncture on pain of patients with refractory trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To assess the effect of acupuncture on pain of patients with refractory trigeminal neuralgia(TN).Methods Acupuncture was accomplished for 14 patients with refractory TN,3 sessions in a week for 10 sessions.Every treatment session lasted about 30 min.The pain severity of patients was evaluated by visual analog scale(VAS)at days 0,3,7,14,21 and 1 month later as follow up.The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18.0.Results The mean age of participants was(59.4±13.2)years old.The VAS points decreased from day 0 to the follow-up.As the results showed,the amount of VAS points decreased by acupuncture has emerged more significance in comparisons between days 0,3 and days 14,21,and the one-month follow-up,the differences in VAS points on the mentioned days were significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture can cause proper pain relief for refractory TN.Acupuncture can induce an analgesic effect after multiple repetitions of therapeutic sessions.

Observation on Tuina plus needling the distal acupoints along the pathway of meridians for shoulder periarthritis

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)plus needling the distal acupoints along the pathway of meridians for shoulder periarthritis(SP).Methods A total of 70 patients with SP were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method,with 35 cases in each group.The patients in the observation group were treated by Tuina combined with needling distal acupoints along the pathway of meridians,while those in the control group only received the same Tuina treatment as in the observation group.The visual analog scale(VAS)and shoulder joint function were scored before and after treatment,and the efficacy after treatment was evaluated.Results After three courses of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 94.3%,while the total effective rate of the control group was 80.0%,showing a statistical difference(P<0.05).After treatment,the VAS scores of the two groups were significantly lower than the baseline scores(P<0.01),and the VAS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.01).After treatment,the total scores of internal rotation,external rotation,back touching,ear touching and motion function in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.01),and the above five scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion Tuina combined with needling the distal acupoints along the pathway of meridians is more effective than Tuina alone in treating SP.The combined therapy can relieve the pain and improve joint function more effectively.

Observation on the therapeutic efficacy of Tuina plus“three-bridge”exercise for non-specific low back pain

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)plus“three-bridge”exercise for non-specific low back pain(NSLBP).Methods A total of 80 patients with NSLBP were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method,with 40 cases in each group.The two groups received Tuina treatment,and the observation group received an additional“three-bridge”exercise.The treatment lasted 4 weeks,and a follow-up evaluation was carried out 6 months after treatment.The visual analog scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index(ODI),and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)scores for low back pain were used to evaluate patients’conditions before treatment,after 4-week treatment,and at the 6-month follow-up.Results The total effective rate was 92.5%and 85.0%in the observation group,respectively,after 4-week treatment and at the 6-month follow-up,significantly different from the control group(P<0.05).After 4-week treatment and at the 6-month follow-up,the VAS,ODI,and JOA scores of the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and all the indicators in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05).At the 6-month follow-up,the VAS,ODI,and JOA scores in the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion Tuina plus“three-bridge”exercise can effectively alleviate pain,improve function,and have relatively sound long-term effects in treating patients with NSLBP.

Effect of acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on labor pain in nulliparous women:a randomized controlled trial

Objective To examine the effect of acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(ACUTENS)on labor pain in nulliparous women.Methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Razi Hospital in Qazvin,Iran between January and July 2018.After the screening process,144 out of 184 pregnant women were selected by convenience sampling and assigned to an intervention group or a control group by the block randomization method.The intervention group received ACUTENS at Hegu(LI4),Shenmen(HT7),Sanyinjiao(SP6),and Neimadian(Extra)during various stages of delivery in addition to routine labor care at the delivery room.For the control group,the same routine labor care was performed alone.The severity of pain was assessed in the two groups using the visual analog scale(VAS).The data were analyzed using R software(ver.4.0.2)and repeated measurement analysis of variance.Results ACUTENS reduced the mean score of pain intensity in the first stage of labor in the intervention group more than that in the control group(P<0.001).Also,the mean scores of pain intensity in the second stage of labor,episiotomy,and one hour after delivery in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.001).Conclusion ACUTENS at Hegu(LI4),Shenmen(HT7),Sanyinjiao(SP6),and Neimadian(Extra)can decrease the intensity of labor pain in nulliparous women.It can be used as a non-pharmacological method for reducing pain in and after labor.

Clinical observation of acupuncture combined with sitting-position knee-adjustment manipulations for patellofemoral arthritis

Objective To observe the efficacy of acupuncture combined with sitting-position knee-adjustment manipulations in treating patellofemoral osteoarthritis.Methods Ninety-two patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis were randomized into an observation group and a medication group,with 46 cases in each group.The observation group received acupuncture and sitting-position knee-adjustment manipulations,and the medication group received oral celecoxib capsules.After 8-week treatment,changes in the short-form McGill pain questionnaire(SF-MPQ)and Lysholm knee scoring scale(LKSS)scores were observed,and the clinical efficacy was compared.Results The total effective rate was 87.0%in the observation group and 63.0%in the control group;the between-group difference was statistically significant.Before treatment,there were no significant differences in the SF-MPQ score or LKSS score(P>0.05).After 8-week treatment,the SF-MPQ[including pain rating index(PRI),visual analog scale(VAS),and present pain intensity(PPI)]and LKSS scores showed notable changes in both groups(P<0.05);the SF-MPQ and LKSS scores in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Combining acupuncture and sitting-position knee-adjustment manipulations can reduce pain and ameliorate joint function in patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis,producing more significant efficacy than oral celecoxib capsules.

Effect of acupuncture plus exercise on pain and motor function in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture combined with isokinetic eccentric exercise on pain and motor function in patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods:Sixty-four patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 32 cases in each group.The observation group received acupuncture and isokinetic eccentric exercise,and the control group received isokinetic eccentric exercise and oral intake of meloxicam tablets.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.Before and after treatment,the visual analog scale(VAS)score,the lysholm knee scale(LKS)score,and the quadriceps peak torque(PT)were evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 93.8%in the observation group,versus 81.3%in the control group.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before the treatment;both LKS score and quadriceps PT were higher than those before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The VAS score,LKS score and quadriceps PT(angular velocity was 60%)of the observation group were significantly different from those of the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture plus isokinetic eccentric exercise is effective in treating KOA.The combined treatment can reduce the pain of KOA patients,improve joint function,strengthen quadriceps,improve joint stability,and its curative effect is better than isokinetic eccentric exercise plus oral intake of meloxicam tablets.

Clinical observation on acupuncture at points of Shaoyang meridians plus moving cupping on the neck and shoulder for migraine

Objective： To observe the efficacy of acupuncture at points of Shaoyang meridians plus moving cupping on neck and shoulder for migraine. Methods： A total of 64 migraine cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group, 32 cases in each group. Random number table method was used in allocation. Acupuncture at points of Shaoyang meridians and cupping on neck and shoulder were used for cases in the observation group, which contain acupuncture 5 times a week and cupping once a week. Oral flunarizine hydrochloride capsules were used for cases in the control group, 10 mg for each dose, 1 dose a day. 2 weeks constitutes a course of treatment. The patients were treated for two courses of treatment in both groups. After that, the changes of visual analogue scale （VAS） and the migraine disability assessment questionnaire （MIDAS） were observed, as well as the clinical efficacy. Results： The total effective rate and recovery and marked effective rate in the observation group were 93.8% and 71.0% respectively, versus 78.1% and 43.8% in the control group, showing statistical significant differences （both P〈O.05）. There were significant decreases in VAS and MIDAS scores after treatments in both groups （both P〈O.05）. VAS and MIDAS scores in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group （both P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Combining acupuncture at points of Shaoyang meridians and cupping on neck and shoulder can relieve headache and reduce influence of migraine on life. It can produce a better efficacy than oral flunarizine hydrochloride capsules in treating migraine patients.

Clinical observation of acupuncture and traction plus Ba Duan Jin(Eight-brocade Exercise)for improving discogenic low back pain

Objective:To observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of acupuncture and traction plus Ba Duan Jin(Eight-brocade Exercise)in treating discogenic low back pain(DLBP).Methods:Sixty patients were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was intervened by acupuncture and traction,while the observation group was given additional Ba Duan Jin(Eight-brocade Exercise)practice.The intervention lasted for a total of 1 month,with a follow-up study conducted 6 months later.The visual analog scale(VAS)and Oswestry disability index(ODI)scores in the two groups were compared before and after treatment,and the efficacy was compared at the end of the treatment between the two groups;the relapse rate was compared at the 6-month follow-up between the two groups.Results:The pain VAS and ODI scores decreased after treatment in both groups,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05);the pain VAS and ODI scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group after treatment with statistical significance(both P<0.05).At the 6-month follow-up,the relapse rate was 10.3%in the observation group versus 48.0%in the control group,and the between-group difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of acupuncture,traction and Ba Duan Jin(Eight-brocade Exercise)is an effective method for DLBP and patients who received this method are less likely to relapse.

Clinical observation of sinew-regulating bone-setting manipulations plus exercise therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of sinew-regulating bone-setting manipulations plus exercise therapy in treating chronic non-specific low back pain(CNLBP).Methods:A total of 65 CNLBP patients were divided into two groups by the random number table method.Thirty-three cases in the treatment group were intervened by sinew-regulating bone-setting manipulations plus exercise therapy;32 cases in the control group were intervened by medium-frequency electrotherapy plus exercise therapy.Before and after treatment,visual analog scale(VAS),dynamic and static muscle endurance of low back,median frequency(MF)of surface electromyography(sEMG)and Oswestry disability index(ODI)were used to evaluate the low back function.The therapeutic efficacy was estimated after treatment.Results:The two groups each had 2 dropouts during the study.The total effective rate was 90.3%in the treatment group versus 66.7%in the control group,and the between-group difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the VAS score,dynamic and static muscle endurance of low back,MF of sEMG and ODI score all changed significantly in both groups(all P<0.05);all the items in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Sinew-regulating bone-setting manipulations plus exercise therapy can effectively release pain in CNLBP patients,increase muscle endurance of the low back and improve the quality of life,and its therapeutic efficacy is more significant than that of medium-frequency electrotherapy plus exercise therapy.

Observation on clinical efficacy of warm needling therapy for chronic lumbar strain

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling therapy for chronic lumbar strain. Methods： A total of 60 patients with chronic lumbar strain who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into a treatment group and a control group by the random number table, with 30 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated with warm needling therapy, while the control group was treated with ordinary acupuncture treatment. The treatments were both performed once every other day, and 7 times constituted a course of treatment. Visual analog scale （VAS） score was used to assess the degree of pain and the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. Results： The total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group （P〈0.05）. There was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups before treatment （P〉0.05）. After treatment, the VAS scores of both groups decreased significantly, and the intra-group differences were statistically significant （both P〈0.05）. The VAS score of the treatment group after treatment was statistically different from that in the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Warm needling therapy has a better curative effect than ordinary acupuncture in the treatment of chronic lumbar strain.

Effects of acupuncture plus spinal manipulations on physical functioning and biochemical indicators in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture plus spinal manipulations on the physical functioning and levels of alkaline phosphatase(ALP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods A total of 128 AS cases were allocated into a control group and an observation group using random number table method,with 64 cases in each group.Patients in both groups took sulfasalazine and meloxicam.Patients in the observation group received additional acupuncture plus spinal manipulations.The efficacy,Bath AS functional index(BASFI),Bath AS disease activity index(BASDAI),and the levels of ALP,ESR,CRP and OPG were compared between the two groups after eight weeks of treatment.Results After treatment,the symptom scores of traditional Chinese medicine in both groups were decreased(all P<0.05),and these scores in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group(all P<0.05);the VAS,BASFI and BASDAI scores in both groups were decreased(all P<0.05),and these scores in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group(all P<0.05);and the ALP,ESR,CRP and OPG levels in both groups were decreased(all P<0.05),and these levels in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group(all P<0.05).The total efficacy rate was 92.2%in the observation group,versus 78.1%in the control group,presenting a statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Conventional medication combined with acupuncture and spinal manipulations can improve clinical symptoms,accelerate the recovery of physical functioning,and reduce the ALP,ESR,CRP and OPG levels.