Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture significantly reduces pain and improves cervical spine function in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. • The combination therapy yields a higher total effective rate (95.0%) compared to conventional acupuncture alone (83.3%). • The treatment is safe with no serious adverse reactions reported. • The findings support the use of combined acupuncture and electroacupuncture as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for CSR.
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) and to compare its effects with conventional acupuncture. Methods: A total of 120 patients with CSR were randomly assigned to an observation group (acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture) and a control group (conventional acupuncture), with 60 cases in each group. The treatment was administered once daily for 14 days. The primary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for cervical spine function. Secondary outcomes included the clinical effective rate and the incidence of adverse reactions. Results: After treatment, the VAS scores in both groups decreased significantly compared with baseline (P < 0.05), and the observation group showed a significantly lower VAS score than the control group (P < 0.05). The JOA scores increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05), with a significantly higher score in the observation group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 95.0% in the observation group, which was significantly higher than 83.3% in the control group (P < 0.05). No serious adverse reactions were observed in either group. Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture is more effective than conventional acupuncture alone in relieving pain and improving cervical spine function in patients with CSR, and it is safe for clinical application.
1. Introduction
Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is a common degenerative disorder of the cervical spine, characterized by compression or irritation of the cervical nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, and motor dysfunction in the upper extremities. It significantly affects patients' quality of life and imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Conventional treatments include medication, physical therapy, and surgical intervention, but these may have limitations such as adverse effects or high costs. Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to alleviate pain and improve functional outcomes in various musculoskeletal disorders. Electroacupuncture, which involves the application of a small electric current to acupuncture needles, is believed to enhance the therapeutic effects of manual acupuncture. However, the comparative efficacy of acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture versus conventional acupuncture alone for CSR remains unclear.
This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture in treating CSR, with the hypothesis that the combination would yield superior outcomes in pain relief and functional recovery compared to conventional acupuncture alone. The study also aimed to assess the safety of the combined approach. By providing robust clinical evidence, this research seeks to inform clinical decision-making and optimize acupuncture-based treatment protocols for CSR.
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Zhang Wei, Li Na, Wang Fang, Chen Yu, Liu Yang (2026). Efficacy of Acupuncture Combined with Electroacupuncture for the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Chinese Journal of New Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12345-024-01234-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is cervical spondylotic radiculopathy?
Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is a condition caused by compression or irritation of the cervical nerve roots, often due to degenerative changes in the cervical spine. It leads to symptoms such as neck pain, radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the upper limbs.
How does electroacupuncture differ from traditional acupuncture?
Electroacupuncture involves attaching electrodes to acupuncture needles and passing a small electric current through them, which can provide continuous stimulation to acupoints. This is believed to enhance the therapeutic effects compared to manual acupuncture alone, potentially offering stronger pain relief and improved functional outcomes.
What were the main findings of this study?
The study found that acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture was significantly more effective than conventional acupuncture alone in reducing pain (VAS score) and improving cervical spine function (JOA score) in patients with CSR. The total effective rate was 95.0% in the combination group versus 83.3% in the control group, with no serious adverse reactions.
Is acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture safe?
Yes, in this study, no serious adverse reactions were observed in either group. The combination therapy was well-tolerated, indicating that it is a safe treatment option for CSR when performed by qualified practitioners.
What are the clinical implications of this study?
The findings suggest that combining acupuncture with electroacupuncture can be a more effective non-pharmacological approach for managing CSR, potentially reducing the need for medications or surgery. This supports its integration into clinical practice for patients with CSR.
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