OBJECTIVETo explore the better treatment for the third lumbar transverse process syndrome.

METHODSNinety cases were randomly divided into an acupotomy group, a blood pricking group and a combined therapy group, thirty cases in each group. In acupotomy group, three points such as the third lumbar transverse process point were released with acupotomy, and then Tuina was applied. In blood pricking group, blood pricking therapy was applied at Qihaishu (BL 24) or Weizhong (BL 40). In combined therapy group, both of releasing with acupotomy and blood pricking were applied. The therapeutic effects of three groups were evaluated by of simplified Chinese version of the Oswestry Disability Index (SCODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before, immediately after treatment and 1 week after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, compared with scores sofore treatment, VAS scores were all reduced (both P < 0.05), and it in combined therapy group was lower than those in other groups (both P < 0.05); SCODI scores showed no significant differences in groups (both P > 0.05) except in combined therapy group (P<0. 05). One week after treatment, compared with scores immediately after treatment, SCODI scores and VAS scores were reduced in each group (all P < 0.05), and the scores in combined therapy group were lower than those in other two groups (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONReleasing with acupotomy and blood pricking are the effective therapies for the third lumbar transverse process syndrome, can remarkably relieve the pain and improve movement function of lumbus, and the therapeutic effect is more obvious.