Yingtong Lin,1,2,* Wanyi Hong,3,* Lili Sui,4 Qian Jiang,1 Ganghui Jiang,5 Weixin Yan,5,* Nenggui Xu,1,2,6,* Rui Zhang5,* 

1Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Shenshan Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shanwei, People’s Republic of China; 4First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 5The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 6South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Nenggui Xu, Email ngxu8018@gzhtcm.edu.cn

Background: Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is an overarching term that encompasses a broad spectrum of degenerative conditions affecting the cervical spine. Cervical Spondylosis Radiculopathy (CSR) represents a prevalent yet particularly severe type within the broader spectrum of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM). Currently, conservative treatments, such as acupuncture, traction, physical therapy, and medication, are the standard methods used. As a widely applied physical therapy for musculoskeletal disease, Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) therapy could be considered when choosing treatment interventions for complement. Electroacupuncture, a commonly used acupuncture treatment, has been proven effective by multiple studies. The comparative analysis with electroacupuncture is specifically aimed at assessing the potential advantages and therapeutic efficacy of FSN therapy in the management of CSR. This is particularly pertinent in instances where conventional conservative interventions and traditional acupuncture techniques may fall short in providing adequate symptom relief.
Methods: The study was a single-centered study without blinding. 80 eligible patients were randomly assigned into two groups, with 40 in each group. The study group received FSN combined with Kinematic acupuncture, the control group received electroacupuncture treatment.
Results: The results after treatment demonstrated that the study group had significantly higher scores in VAS (P=0.001), NPQ (P=0.000), NDI (P=0.000), TY (P=0.000), SF-36 (P=0.000), Hand-numbness (P=0.004), total effective rate (P=0.004) and Analgesic effect time (P=0.001) compared to the control group. The follow-up results also indicated that the experimental group outperformed the control group in VAS (P=0.000), NPQ (P=0.000), NDI (P=0.000), TY (P=0.000), SF-36 (P=0.000), however, the results of Hand-numbness scoring showed no significant statistical difference between both two groups (P=0.302), neither did Relieve duration (P=0.562).
Conclusion: In general, Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling combined with Kinematic acupuncture method is more effective in relieving symptoms and promoting recovery of CSR.
Trail Registration: The clinical trial has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (NO. ChiCTR2300068507).

Keywords: Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling, kinematic acupuncture, Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy, randomized controlled trial