Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent clinical condition characterized by pain localized
between the lower edge of the 12th rib and the gluteal fold.The incidence of LBP has been
escalating annually.An epidemiological survey encompassing 204 countries and territories
globally projects a stark increase in the affected population, from an estimated 619
million in 2020 to a projected 843 million by 2050.LBP can affect individuals across all
age groups, with a lifetime prevalence ranging from 60% to 80%, significantly impairing
quality of life. Discogenic low back pain (DLBP), attributed to degenerative changes in
the intervertebral discs, is the predominant subtype of LBP, comprising approximately 39%
of all LBP cases. Disc degeneration typically initiates in early adulthood and progresses
with age, potentially leading to DLBP.As the population ages, DLBP has emerged as a major
contributor to disability worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on both individuals
and society. Current international guidelines establish the foundation for surgical and
pharmacological interventions for DLBP.However, considering the adverse effects and
economic implications associated with surgical and medical treatments, there is a growing
inclination towards recommending non-pharmacological therapies.These include
physiotherapy, self-management, and psychotherapy, with a concurrent reduction in
emphasis on pharmacological and surgical options.
Acupuncture and moxibustion are integral components of traditional Chinese medicine,
garnering global recognition for their role in restoring the equilibrium of yin and yang
within the human body . Electroacupuncture, a modern derivation of traditional
acupuncture, has been extensively applied worldwide for the management of various painful
conditions, including headache, myofibromyalgia, neck pain, and cancer-related pain.
Despite its broad application, a limited number of clinical efficacy and safety studies
have been conducted on electroacupuncture for the treatment of discogenic low back pain
(DLBP), thereby necessitating a scientific foundation for its therapeutic use .
The present study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of
electroacupuncture in the treatment of DLBP using an evidence-based medical approach. By
employing a multicenter, randomized, and sham-controlled study design, this investigation
seeks to provide a robust evidence-based medical foundation for the use of
electroacupuncture in DLBP treatment.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the acupuncture group (experimental
group) or the sham acupuncture group (control group) in a 1:1 ratio, akin to a lottery
drawing. Following enrollment, participants will undergo a 4-week, 12-session
intervention, followed by three follow-up visits at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-treatment.
The investigators will assess participants' low back pain, lumbar spine function, and
quality of life through telephone communication or on-site questioning at these
designated follow-up intervals.
Needling may result in minor bleeding, pain, or hematoma at the needle site, and rare
infections or allergic reactions may occur. Adverse reactions to needling, such as
dizziness or nerve damage, are exceedingly rare.
Participants in this study may confer direct medical benefits, such as remission of
symptoms, or may not, with outcomes ranging from no remission to potential exacerbation
of the condition . However, the knowledge gained from this study is anticipated to
benefit future people with similar conditions .
In addition to this study , participations may opt for treatment with modern
rehabilitation medicine modalities or medications, including shortwave therapy,
intermediate frequency therapy, or oral analgesics . This study would not impose any
costs beyond the participants' regular medical treatment, and the investigators will
cover all study-related medical expenses (including acupuncture treatment costs, needle
costs, and scale evaluation costs) . The investigators are legally committed to
maintaining the confidentiality of the participants' study records.
