Effects of Fu's subcutaneous needling on clinical efficacy and psychological cognitive characteristics in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Researchers in China compared two types of acupuncture for treating chronic low back pain that has no specific identifiable cause. They studied 90 people who had experienced back pain for an extended period, randomly assigning half to receive Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) and half to receive traditional acupuncture (TA). Both groups received treatment for three consecutive days.

FSN is a specialized technique where needles are inserted just under the skin and moved in a sweeping motion, rather than being inserted deeply into specific points like traditional acupuncture. The study measured pain levels, physical function (including how long people could hold a back extension position and their range of motion), and importantly, their fear and beliefs about movement causing pain.

The results showed that FSN provided better pain relief than traditional acupuncture at every measurement point during and after treatment. People who received FSN also showed greater improvements in back muscle endurance and flexibility. Significantly, the FSN group experienced reduced fear about physical activity and movement, which is important because fear-avoidance beliefs can perpetuate chronic pain cycles. These improvements lasted at least one month after treatment ended.

For patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, this study suggests that FSN may be more effective than traditional acupuncture for reducing both pain and the psychological factors that contribute to ongoing disability. The reduction in fear-avoidance beliefs is particularly noteworthy, as these psychological factors often prevent people from returning to normal activities. If you're considering acupuncture for chronic back pain, seek a qualified, licensed acupuncturist trained in appropriate techniques for your condition.

This randomized controlled trial (n=90) compared Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) versus traditional acupuncture (TA) for chronic non-specific low back pain over three consecutive treatment days, with one-month follow-up. Primary outcome was VAS pain scores; secondary outcomes included trunk extensor endurance (TEE), lumbar range of motion (ROM), and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) scores.

FSN demonstrated statistically significant superiority over TA across all outcome measures (P<0.01). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time, group, and interaction effects for all variables. Notably, FSN produced greater reductions in both pain intensity and fear-avoidance beliefs, with benefits sustained at one-month follow-up (P<0.05). The FSN group also showed superior improvements in TEE and lumbar ROM.

Clinical significance lies in FSN's dual impact on both nociceptive and psychological components of chronic pain. The reduction in fear-avoidance beliefs suggests FSN may help break the pain-disability cycle more effectively than traditional approaches. FSN represents a viable treatment option warranting integration into clinical protocols for chronic non-specific LBP management.