Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture plus Behavior Therapy for Cervical Spondylosis and Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus behavior therapy for cervical spondylosis and cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.Methods Patients with cervical spondylosis or cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were randomly allocated to four groups: simple electroacupuncture,electroacupuncture plus acupuncture point injection,warm needling plus acupuncture point injection,and medication control.Cupping and behavior therapy(often perform the action of looking up at the moon and get out of bad sleep habits) were given in addition to acupuncture treatment.The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between different groups using the symptom and sign assessment scale.Results The clinical control rate was 30.0% in the simple electroacupuncture group,36.7% in the electroacupuncture plus acupuncture point injection group and 33.3% in the warm needling plus acupuncture point injection group at 4 weeks after treatment.They were significantly higher than 10.0% in the medication control group.At 8 weeks after treatment,the clinical control rates were 60.0%,80.0% and 73.3%,respectively,and significantly higher than 30.0% in the medication control group.At 4 months after treatment or of follow-up,the clinical control rates were 76.7%,86.7% and 80.0%,respectively,and significantly higher than 50.0% in the medication control group.Conclusion Acupuncture plus behavior therapy is an effective way to prevent and treat cervical spondylosis and cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.This method is characterized by simplicity,convenience,easiness and cheapness.It is suitable for clinical application.