Three Cases of Cervical Radiculopathy Treated with Combined Korean Medicine Therapy Focusing on Acupotomy

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential clinical utility of acupotomyfocused integrative Korean medicine treatment for patients with cervical radiculopathy, with a focus on symptom improvement based on the localization of anatomical lesions.Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted involving three patients diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy who received integrative Korean medicine treatment, which included acupotomy, pharmacopuncture, and herbal medicine.The treatment approach specifically targeted anatomically defined entrapment sites.Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and the Neck Disability Index (NDI).Results: All patients presented with limited response to previous conservative treatments or experienced chronic symptom progression.After an average of 6 to 10 treatment sessions, NRS scores decreased from 9 to 3, 8 to 2, and 7 to 1, respectively.Corresponding NDI scores decreased from 21 to 13, 27 to 10, and 15 to 2. Additionally, improvements in associated symptoms, such as numbness and weakness, were also reported.Conclusion: This case series suggests that anatomically targeted acupotomy-centered integrative treatment may have potential clinical benefits in reducing pain and improving functional impairment in patients with cervical radiculopathy.Further controlled studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to validate these results.