Randomized controlled trial of analgesic effect and movement improvement between Meridian Balancing Acupuncture Method and standard Local Acupuncture in the treatment of Cervical Type Cervical Spondylosis

Objective: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of analgesic effects and motility improvement between Meridian Balancing Acupuncture Methods (MBAM) and Local Acupuncture in the treatment of Cervical Type Cervical Spondylosis. Methods: Sixty patients with Cervical Type Cervical Spondylosis were randomly divided into MBAM group and Local Acupuncture group. In MBAM intervention, up to 10 sensitive/reactive distal points on the limbs were selected and manipulated, while patients rotated their necks. In Local Acupuncture intervention 10 sensitive acupoints were selected and manipulated on the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Both groups underwent 30-minute treatments, three times during one week. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain levels and Cervical Spine Range of Motion (ROM) in three directions were assessed before and after each treatment, and at follow-up. Results: · VAS Scores were significantly reduced within both groups (P<0.05), however after 2nd and 3rd treatments, MBAM VAS scores were significantly lower (P<0.05). MBAM VAS scores differences were, in general, all significantly higher than Local Acupuncture (P<0.05). · In general within MBAM group, ROM in all three directions significantly increased (P<0.05). Within Local Acupuncture group, ROM improvements were more limited. After the 3rd treatment, MBAM demonstrated significantly higher Rotation ROM (P<0.05). Overall, ROM differences in all three directions were significantly higher in MBAM than in Local Acupuncture (P<0.05). · Total effective rate was 100% in both groups. However, significant effective rate was statistically higher in MBAM (93.33%) compared to Local Acupuncture (73.33%) (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both treatments can effectively relieve pain and improve limited motion in Cervical Type Cervical Spondylosis patients. Although Local Acupuncture showed no immediate improvement in several single treatments. MBAM outperformed Local Acupuncture in immediate and short-term analgesic effects, although both treatments were comparable at follow-up. Overall, MBAM demonstrated superiority in improving cervical motility, with immediate, short term and follow-up better outcomes. After the treatment course, MBAM demonstrated superior curative effect compared Local Acupuncture