Search

In a prospective case series, the efficacy of electroacupuncture of the spinal nerve root using a selective spinal nerve block technique for the treatment of lumbar and lower limb symptoms was studied over a 3 month period in patients (n= 17) with lumbar spinal canal stenosis who did not respond to 2 months of general conservative treatment and conventional acupuncture. Patients received 3-5 once-weekly treatments, and were evaluated immediately before and after each treatment. Under x-ray fluoroscopy, two acupuncture needles were inserted as close as possible to the relevant nerve root and low frequency electroacupuncture stimulation was performed (10 Hz, 10 min). Scores for lumbar and lower limb symptoms improved post-initial-treatment, and continued to show further improvement before the final treatment. Effects were sustained 3 months post-treatment. Results suggest that treatments may be effective because they involve activation of the pain inhibition system and improvement of nerve blood flow, and that electroacupuncture may improve lumbar and lower limb symptoms when conventional acupuncture is ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]