OBJECTIVETo compare the effects between fast acupuncture and retaining acupuncture for the cervical type of cervical spondylosis.

METHODSSixty patients were randomized into a fast acupuncture group and a retaining needle group, 30 cases in each one. The acupoints in the two groups were Fengchi (GB 20), Jiaji (EX-B 2, C, C, C) and Jianjing (GB 21), Jianjing 1 (Extra) and Jianjing 2 (Extra). The needles in the fast acupuncture group were out afterarrival, while those in the retaining needle group were retained for 30 min, three times a week, once the other day. One week was seen as a course and the treatment was given for 2 courses. The indices were observed before and after treatment, including Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire (NPQ), short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) [pain rating index (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI)]. The effects were compared in the two groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the NPQ score was lower than that before treatment in the two groups (both<0.01), and that in the fast acupuncture group was better (<0.01). All the items of SF-MPQ decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all<0.01), with the better results of PRI sensation score and PRI total score in the fast acupuncture group (both<0.05). The PRI feeling score, VAS score, and PPI score were not significantly different after treatment between the two groups (all>0.05). The total effective rate in the fast acupuncture group was 83.3% (25/30), not significantly different from 76.7% (23/30) in the retaining needle group (>0.05).

CONCLUSIONFast acupuncture and retaining needle are both effective for the cervical type of cervical spondylosis, which can apparently improve the clinical symptoms. Fast acupuncture is superior to retaining acupuncture.