Clinical Efficacy of Heat Acupuncture Treatment for Radicular Cervical Spondylosis

Objective To investigate and compare the efficacy of the heat acupuncture vs.electroacupuncture treatment for radicular cervical spondylosis.Methods Sixty-eight cases of radicular cervical spondylosis in the rehabilitation center of Taihe Hospital were collected from Apr.2012 to Jun.2014,and randomly divided into two groups(the heat acupuncture group and the electro-acupuncture group)based on sex,age,duration,VAS score and CASCS score.The heat acupuncture group was treated with heat-acupuncture,and the electro-acupuncture group with electro-acupuncture.After a full treatment session,the efficacy was assessed based on JOA scores(including signs and symptoms,clinical manifestations,the ability to perform daily tasks and hold a job)and the improvement rate of symptoms.Results JOA score between the two groups before the treatment showed no significant difference(P0.05).After the treatment session,the scores of subjective complaint,clinical manifestations and the extent of limitation of daily activities of heat acupuncture group were increased significantly.Meanwhile,the electroacupuncture group only made mild improvement in performing daily tasks.There was significant difference in subjective complaints,clinical signs and daily activities between the heat-acupuncture group and electro-acupuncture group after the treatment.The total effective rate in heat-acupuncture group was significantly higher than in electro-acupuncture group(P0.05).Conclusion The heat acupuncture can effectively improve the clinical symptoms,signs and daily activities of patients with radicular cervical spondylosis,and its efficacy is superior to the traditional electro-acupuncture treatment.