Treatment of Neck-type Cervical Spondylopathy by A Composite Treatment with Acupuncture,Stone Scraping and Cupping

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of a composite treatment with stone scraping,cupping,electroacupuncture and infrared radiation for neck-type cervical spondylopathy. Methods Seventy patients were selected as subjects and randomly allocated to a composite treatment group(35 cases) and an electroacupuncture control group(35 cases).The composite treatment group was treated by scraping from Fengfu(GV 16) to Shenzhu(GV 12) along the Du Meridian,Fengchi(GB 12) to Jianjing(GB 21) along the Gallbladder Meridian and Tianzhu(BL 10) to Geshu(BL 17) along the Bladder Meridian with Geng's multifunctional stone plate,quick cupping with subsequent retention of cups,routine electroacupuncture,and infrared radiation.The electroacupuncture group was treated by routine electroacupuncture and infrared radiation.Both groups were treated once very other day,6 times as a course.The clinical curative effects and adverse responses were evaluated immediately after each treatment and at the completion of one course of treatment in both groups. Results The total immediate posttreatment efficacy rate was 88.6% in the composite treatment group and 80.0% in the electroacupuncture group.The immediate effect was significantly better in the electroacupuncture group than in the electroacupuncture group(P0.05).The total efficacy rate at the completion of one course of treatment was 97.1% in the composite treatment group and 94.3% in the electroacupuncture group.The curative effect after one course of treatment was also significantly better in the electroacupuncture group than in the electroacupuncture group(P0.05).Slight subcutaneous bleeding occurred at the location of the point on the shoulder after withdrawal of the needle in 2 cases of composite treatment group and 1 case of the electroacupuncture group.It disappeared spontaneously after 1 week.There was no other adverse response. Conclusion A composite treatment with acupuncture,stone scraping and cupping is safe and effective in treating neck-type cervical spondylopathy.The effect occurs rapidly.