Multicenter, randomized controlled trial of electroacupuncture for chronic radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation

INTERVENTION: Electroacupuncture Group:Electroacupuncture.Detailed Description: Points: Three pairs of bilateral Jiaji points (EX‐B2), centered around the responsible spinal segment (upper, middle, and lower pairs). Procedure: Disposable sterile needles (0.30×40mm) are inserted perpendicularly to a depth of approximately 30mm (1 cun) to achieve De Qi sensation. Electroacupuncture stimulator is connected. Parameters: Dense‐disperse wave, 2/10 Hz frequency. Current intensity is adjusted to 1‐5mA to induce visible rhythmic muscle contractions without causing intolerable pain. Duration: 30 minutes per session. Regimen: 10 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions weekly for the first 2 weeks, 2 sessions weekly for the last 2 weeks).;Sham Electroacupuncture Group:Sham electroacupuncture (Sham EA) Point selection: Non‐meridian, non‐acupoint points located 2 cm lateral to the acupuncture points used in the verum EA group. Needling depth: Superficial insertion of 2–4 mm. Needle manipulation: No deqi sensation was pursued. No lifting, thrusting, or twirling was performed after insertion. Electroacupuncture settings: Sparse‐dense wave, 2/10 Hz, 1–5 mA. However, the connecting wires were internally severed, so no electrical current was delivered. Treatment regimen: Identical to the verum EA group (10 sessions, 30 minutes per session).; CONDITION: Chronic radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation PRIMARY OUTCOME: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for Low Back Pain;Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for leg pain; SECONDARY OUTCOME: Oswestry Disability Inde XScore (ODI);Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Lumbar Function Score;36‐Item Short Form Health Survey Score (SF‐36);Fear‐Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire()ABQ);Patient Global Assessment (PGA);Rescue Medication Use;Incidence of adverse events (AEs);Patient Blinding Assessment (PBA); INCLUSION CRITERIA: Inclusion Criteria (1) Meet the diagnostic criteria for chronic radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation as described above; (2) History of radicular lower limb pain lasting = 12 weeks; (3) Aged 18 to 65 years, male or female; (4) Low back and leg pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score = 40 mm; (5) Provide informed consent, sign the informed consent form, and voluntarily participate in this study. Note: Patients must meet all five criteria listed above to be enrolled in this study.