[Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) and points of bladder meridian mainly for lumbar disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy differences between electroacupuncture and medication in lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: Eighty-five cases of lumbar disc herniation were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group (45 cases) and a medication group (40 cases). The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2), Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Guanyuanshu (BL 26), Dachangshu (BL 25) and Yangtlingquan (GB 34) etc., once a day; and the medication group was treated with oral administration of Fugui Gutong capsule (3 times a day, 4 capsule each time) and 0.3 g ibuprofen (once a day). The scores of clincial symptoms and therapeutic effect were observed before and after treatment. Results In the electroacupuncture group, the effective rate was 84.4% (38/45), which was superior to that of 65.0% (26/40) in the medication group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of symptoms significantly decreased in the two groups (both P < 0.01), and the reduction of scores in electroacupuncture group was superior to that in medication group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) and points of Bladder Meridian mainly has a better therapeutic effect on lumbar disc herniation, which is superior to oral administration of fugui gutong capsule and ibuprofen.