OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of needle-pricking therapy combined with spinal massage on ankylosing spondylitis and to probe into the mechanism.

METHODSNinety-three cases who were definitely diagnosed as having ankylosing spondylitis at active stage were randomly divided into a medication group (n=46) and an observation group (n=47). The observation group were treated by needle-pricking the main points, Neck No. 2 nerve, Neck No. 5 nerve point, etc., combined with spinal rotation massage, and the medication group were treated with Azulfidine. Changes of cumulative score of arthralgia and arthroncus, function of joint, Keitel test, and ESR and CRP before and after treatment were observed.

RESULTSThe effective rate and the markedly effective rate were 95.8%0 and 68.1% in the observation group and 78.3% and 23.9% in the medication group, respectively, the former being significantly better than the latter (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONNeedle-pricking therapy combined with spinal massage has a significant therapeutic effect with a steady and long-term effect for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis at active stage.