A Study on Combined Acupuncture and Tuina Therapy for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of Shen's acupuncture combined with massage of the belt meridian in treating chronic nonspecific low back pain. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomly assigned to three groups: the combined treatment group (Shen's acupuncture plus belt meridian massage), the acupuncture group (Shen's acupuncture only), and the massage group (belt meridian massage only), with 32 patients in each group. The effects of these treatments on the condition were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, all three groups showed significant improvement in weekly pain frequency, duration, and intensity compared to pre-treatment levels (P<0.05). The combined group demonstrated the most pronounced efficacy (93.75%), followed by the acupuncture group (87.50%), while the massage group showed relatively lower efficacy (56.25%). CONSLUSION: Shen's acupuncture combined with meridian massage demonstrates significant and reliable efficacy in treating chronic nonspecific low back pain.