Comparative Study of Acupuncture, Bee Venom Acupuncture, and Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture on the Treatment of Herniation of Nucleus Pulpous

요추 추간판 탈출증 환자의 침 치료와 봉독침, 봉약침 병행치료에 대한 비교연구

Objectives : Herniation of Nucleus Pulpous (HNP) of Lumbar is one of the most common causes of low back pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture, bee venom acupuncture (BVA), and bee venom Pharmacopuncture (BVP) therapy for HNP. Methods : We separated 35 patients with HNP of L-spine into three groups; Acupuncture treated group, BVA treated group, and BVP treated group, and monitored for 30 days. 4 grades of recovery degree, score of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were examined for comparison. Results : 1. Visual Analogue Scale of low back pain and radiating pain showed significant decrease in BVA and BVP groups compared to the Acupuncture group at VAS0_2, VAS0_3 evaluations. 2. ODI of disability of daily activities showed significant decrease in BVA and BVP groups compared to the Acupuncture group at VAS0_1, VAS0_2, and VAS0_3 evaluations. 3. Compared to the Acupuncture group, BVA and BVP groups were improved in S.L.R.T and R.O.M of L-spine as confirmed by the physical examination. 4. Treatment efficacy was more apparent in acute cases as ODI was significantly lower than chronic cases. Conclusion : BVA and BVP therapies can be used in addition to the acupuncture therapy for highly effective treatment of HNP. Further clinical studies are required to verify these findings.