The Effectiveness of Traditional Acupuncture in the Complex Treatment of Herniated Intervertebral Discs

INTRODUCTION. The authors present the data of the literature review devoted to the problem of treating intervertebral disc herniations by various methods, the choice of surgical and conservative approaches to treatment, the timing of symptom relief, and resorption of the hernial protrusion. AIM. To analyze the used techniques of acupuncture, indications and contraindications to its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The authors present in detail their own treatment method within the framework of traditional Chinese medicine using the methods of corporal and auricular acupuncture and moxibustion, and indicate specific points of influence. A total of 127 patients were treated using this method over the period 1993–2022. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Acute pain syndrome was relieved on average on the second day (1.98 + 0.9 (1–4 days)), and residual pain syndrome on the 6th day (5.73 + 2.1 (3–16 days)). The time of lifting the restrictions on motor activity (often due to the fear of recurrence of pain) was more individual and amounted to 1–1.5 months. The time of resorption of the hernial protrusion was from 4 to 11 months. The time of hernia regression in studies devoted to this issue averaged 17.0 + 7.2 months or from 8.5 to 24 months. Recurrence of hernias was noted in 18 patients against the background of repeated inadequate physical activity. Clinical examples with data from objective research methods before and after acupuncture treatment are given. CONCLUSION. According to the authors, the key to the success of conservative treatment of intervertebral hernias lies in the synthesis of classical methods proven over thousands of years and the most effective and evidence-based methods of modern medicine.