[Fu's subcutaneous needling based on anatomy train theory for nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial].

Abstract

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling based on anatomy train theory for nonspecific low back pain (NLBP).

Methods: A total of 120 patients with NLBP were randomized into an anatomy train Fu's subcutaneous needling group (40 cases, 3 cases dropped out), a conventional acupuncture group (40 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a conventional Fu's subcutaneous needling group (40 cases, 2 cases dropped out). Acupuncture was applied at ashi points and bilateral Shenshu (BL23) and Dachangshu (BL25) in the conventional acupuncture group, once every other day, 3 times a week. Fu's subcutaneous needling was applied at lumbodorsal myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the Fu's subcutaneous needling group, once every 3 days, twice a week. On the basis of the treatment in the Fu's subcutaneous needling group, Fu's subcutaneous needling was applied at MTrPs along the posterior superficial line and lateral line in the anatomy train Fu's subcutaneous needling group, once every 3 days, twice a week. All groups were treated for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of numeric rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were observed, the distance of Schober test was measured and the endurance of trunk extensors was assessed in the 3 groups.

Results: After treatment, in the 3 groups, the NRS and ODI scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), the Schober test distance was increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05), the static and dynamic muscle endurance was increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, in the anatomy train Fu's subcutaneous needling group, the NRS and ODI scores were lower than those in the conventional acupuncture group and the conventional Fu's subcutaneous needling group (P<0.05), the Schober test distance was longer than that in the conventional acupuncture group and the conventional Fu's subcutaneous needling group (P<0.05), the static and dynamic muscle endurance was superior to that in the conventional acupuncture group and the conventional Fu's subcutaneous needling group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Fu's subcutaneous needling based on anatomy train theory can effectively relieve the pain symptom, enhance quality of life, improve lumbar motion and lumbar muscle function in patients with NLBP.