[A randomized controlled pilot on chronic non-specific low back pain treated with the superficial needling therapy combined with mild moxibustion]

Abstract

Objective: To compare the differences in the clinical therapeutic effects on chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) between the combined treatment of the superficial needling technique and mild moxibustion and the traditional warm acupuncture.

Methods: A total of 60 patients were randomized into a combined treatment group and a warm acupuncture group, 30 cases in each one. In the combined treatment group, the superficial needling technique was used in combination with the mild moxibustion with moxa box at the muscle region of the bladder meridian on the back. In the warm acupuncture group, the traditional warm acupuncture was adopted on the lumbar region and the upper back. Each treatment lasted 30 min, 3 times a week. The treatment was provided continuously for 3 weeks. The follow-up visit lasted 3 months. Separately, before, 3 times after treatment and at the end of treatment, as well as after the follow-up visit, the visual analogue scale (VAS), the range of motion of the lumbar region (ROM) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were observed in the patients of the two groups.

Results: During and at the end of treatment, as well as at the follow-up visit, VAS score, ROM and ODI were all improved as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05). The results in the combined treatment group were better than those in the warm acupuncture (all P<0.05). At the end of treatment and the follow-up stage, VAS score, ROM and ODI were better than those during treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05). At the follow-up stage, VAS score, ROM of the backward extension and rotation of spine, as well as ODI were better than those at the end of treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05).

Conclusion: The combined treatment of the superficial needling technique and mild moxibustion relieves pain, improves the ROM of the lumbar region and reduces the functional disability in CNLBP. This combined therapy achieves the better effects as compared with the traditional warm acupuncture and is high in the patient's compliance.

Keywords: chronic non-specific low back pain; mild moxibustion; pilot; randomized control trail (RCT); superficial needling.