Nonoperative Korean Medicine Combination Therapy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Retrospective Case-Series Study

Kiok Kim, Yongjae Jeong, Yousuk Youn, Jeongcheol Choi, Jaehong Kim, Wonseok Chung, Tae-Hun Kim, Kiok Kim, Yongjae Jeong, Yousuk Youn, Jeongcheol Choi, Jaehong Kim, Wonseok Chung, Tae-Hun Kim

Abstract

This is a retrospective case series exploring the therapeutic benefits and harm of nonoperative Korean medicine combination therapy for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The medical records of a total of 33 LSS patients, who were treated as inpatients at Mokhuri Neck and Back Hospital, Republic of Korea, from November 2010 to January 2012, were reviewed first and telephone survey on these patients was conducted after one year. Body acupuncture, pharmacoacupuncture, Chuna, and oral administration of herbal medicines were offered to all patients. A Visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and the walking duration without pain were used to assess the patients during the approximately 1-month treatment period. The average VAS score of pain and the walking duration improved significantly; the VAS score decreased from 9 (SD, 1.15) to 2.75 (2.22) (p < 0.01), and the walking duration increased from 5.5 (6.66) to 16.75 (13.00) minutes (p < 0.01). No adverse event was reported during the treatment. In addition, the decreased pain level and improved function continued for over one year. Although we did not find definitive evidence, the study results suggest that KM combination therapy may be beneficial for decreasing pain and improving function in LSS patients and may produce comparatively few adverse events.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Chuna procedure (Korean-style manual therapy). (a) Extension-mobilization technique of lumbar vertebrae. (b) Manipulation technique of lumbar vertebrae in the lateral recumbent position. (c) Relaxation technique for lumbar vertebrae and the hip joints.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Visual analogue scale of pain. ∗: Wilcoxon signed-rank test of the before and after treatment values, p < 0.05; ∗∗: t-test of the before treatment and after one year of follow-up values, p < 0.05.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Walking duration without pain. ∗: Wilcoxon signed-rank test of the before and after treatment values, p < 0.05; ∗∗: t-test of the before treatment and after one year of follow-up values, p < 0.05.

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Source: PubMed

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