[Acupuncture with yin-yang regulation method for chronic low back pain in elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation: a randomized controlled Trial].

A recent Chinese study investigated whether a specialized acupuncture technique called "yin-yang regulation method" works better than standard local acupuncture for chronic low back pain caused by herniated discs in elderly patients. Researchers studied 124 elderly patients with chronic low back pain from lumbar disc herniation, randomly assigning them to receive either the yin-yang regulation approach or conventional local acupuncture. Both groups received treatment three times weekly for four weeks (12 sessions total). The yin-yang regulation method included points on the abdomen (like Baihui, Zhongwan, Qihai, and Guanyuan) and back points, alternating between sides. The control group received needling at local back points near the spine. Researchers measured pain levels, disability, and used ultrasound to examine the multifidus muscles in the lower back before and after treatment. The yin-yang regulation group showed significantly better results: pain scores were lower at both one and four weeks, functional disability improved more quickly, and ultrasound revealed greater improvements in muscle quality (measured by Young's modulus values). The overall effectiveness rate was 93.5% in the yin-yang regulation group compared to 79% in the local acupuncture group. Both approaches increased multifidus muscle thickness, but the yin-yang method produced superior improvements in muscle stiffness and function. This suggests that addressing systemic balance through acupuncture points beyond just the painful area may provide better relief for elderly patients with chronic low back pain from disc herniation. If you're considering acupuncture for chronic low back pain, seek a licensed acupuncturist trained in traditional Chinese medicine approaches.

This randomized controlled trial compared yin-yang regulation acupuncture versus local needling in 124 elderly patients with chronic low back pain from lumbar disc herniation. The intervention group received alternating abdominal (Baihui GV20, Zhongwan CV12, Qihai CV6, Guanyuan CV4, bilateral Tianshu ST25, Dahe KI12) and lumbar protocols (Baihui GV20, Dazhui GV14, Jizhong GV6, Yaoyangguan GV3, ashi points), while controls received local needling at L3-L5 Jiaji EX-B2, Shenshu BL23, Dachangshu BL25, Weizhong BL40, Yaoyangguan GV3, and ashi points. Treatment consisted of 12 sessions over four weeks. The yin-yang regulation group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes: lower VAS scores at weeks 1 and 4 (P<0.001), reduced ODI scores at week 1 (P<0.001), decreased bilateral functional multifidus Young's modulus values post-treatment (P<0.05), and higher overall effectiveness rate (93.5% vs 79%, P<0.05). Musculoskeletal ultrasound revealed both groups increased multifidus thickness, but only the intervention group showed comprehensive reductions in muscle stiffness. Clinical takeaway: systemic yin-yang regulation may provide superior outcomes compared to purely local approaches in elderly CLBP patients.