[Effects on cervical spondylosis of neck type treated with Hegu needling and Shu needling techniques at the positive...

To observe the clinical effects on cervical spondylosis of neck type treated with the combined therapy of Hegu needling and Shu needling techniques at the positive reaction points as compared with the conventional acupuncture.

A total of 90 patients of cervical spondylosis of neck type were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 45 cases in each one. In the observation group, the combined therapy of Hegu needling and Shu needling techniques at the positive reaction points was adopted. The positive reaction points were selected in the neck, shoulder and back regions. In the control group, the conventional acupuncture therapy was provided. The main acupoints were Tianzhu (BL 10), Fengchi (GB 20), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5), Neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) of C₄ to C₆ and ashi points. The supplementary acupoints were Yinxi (HT 6) and Geshu (BL 17). The treatment was given once every two days, 10 treatments as one course in the two groups. Separately, before treatment, after the 1st treatment and at the end of one course of treatment, the scores of symptoms and physical signs and the scores of visual analogous scale (VAS) were observed in the two groups. The comprehensive clinical effects were compared between the two groups at the end of treatment.

After the 1st treatment and at the end of treatment, the scores of symptoms and physical signs and VAS scores were reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05). After the 1st treatment, the scores of symptoms and physical signs and VAS scores were not different significantly between the two groups (both P>0.05). At the end of treatment, the scores of symptoms and physical signs and VAS scores in the observation group were reduced more obviously as compared with the control group (both P<0.05). The curative and remarkably effective rate was 84.1% (37/44) in the observation group, better than 65.1% (28/43) in the control group (P<0.05).

Either the combined therapy of Hegu needling and Shu needling techniques at the positive reaction points or the conventional acupuncture is effective in the treatment of cervical spondylosis of neck type. The combined therapy of Hegu needling and Shu needling techniques at the positive reaction points achieves the superior effects as compared with the conventional acupuncture.