Catgut Embedding Therapy Versus Electro-Acupuncture for Treating Chronic Low Back Pain in Adults with Lumbar Spondylosis and Blood Stasis Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether catgut embedding therapy works better than electro-acupuncture to relieve chronic low back pain and improve daily physical activity in adults with lumbar spondylosis and Blood Stasis syndrome. The study aims to compare pain reduction and quality of life improvement between these two treatments, with all participants also receiving counseling on lifestyle changes and back exercises. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive catgut embedding therapy using PDO threads at specific back acupoints in two sessions at the start and at two weeks. The other group will receive electro-acupuncture at the same acupoints in 20-minute sessions, five days per week, over four weeks. Both groups receive lifestyle and exercise counseling throughout the study. Participants will visit the clinic for treatments and assessments at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks. They will complete surveys about their pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale and their functional ability with the Oswestry Disability Index. Safety will be monitored during the four-week treatment period by qualified Traditional Medicine doctors. The total study duration for each participant is four weeks.

Catgut Embedding for Lumbar Spondylosis With Blood Stasis Syndrome