Catgut Embedding for Lumbar Spondylosis With Blood Stasis Syndrome (Vietnam)

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with chronic low back pain due to lumbar spondylosis and Blood Stasis syndrome are randomized to receive either catgut embedding (2 sessions over 4 weeks) or electro-acupuncture (20 sessions over 4 weeks), in addition to lifestyle and back-exercise counseling. Primary outcomes are pain on the visual analog scale and disability on the Oswestry Disability Index, measured at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Treatments are conducted by qualified Traditional Medicine doctors, with safety monitoring during the 4-week period. The study compares a brief, targeted Catgut Embedding approach to a standard electro-acupuncture regimen to see which better reduces pain and improves function.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age and Gender: Patients aged 18 to 65 years, regardless of gender.
* Diagnosis of Chronic Low Back Pain: Confirmed diagnosis of low back pain due to lumbar spondylosis with the following criteria:

  * Clinical: Mechanical spinal pain.
  * Radiographic (X-ray): Joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophytes on the vertebral bodies.
  * Absence of systemic symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or anemia.
* Duration: Pain duration exceeding 3 months.
* Pain Intensity: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for low back pain \> 40 mm.
* Traditional Medicine Diagnosis: Diagnosed with Low back pain under the "Blood Stasis" syndrome according to Decision No. 5013/QD-BYT (2020) by the Ministry of Health: Pain occurs after heavy lifting or sudden movement. Severe localized pain, pain increases with movement/pressure. Limited range of motion. Tongue: Purple or with stasis points. Pulse: Choppy.
* Communication: Capable of communicating fluently in Vietnamese to complete survey questionnaires.
* Consent: Volunteers who agree to participate and sign the Informed Consent Form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological Deficits: Patients with clinical neurological abnormalities in the lower limbs.
* Surgical Indications: Patients with indications for spinal surgery due to severe neurological deficits.
* Co-morbidities: Vertebral fractures, spinal inflammation/infection, malignant tumors, neuromuscular scoliosis, or degenerative neurological diseases.
* Hypersensitivity: History of hypersensitivity or adverse reactions to electro-acupuncture or catgut embedding treatments.

Where it's running

• University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3
  Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Thi Thuy Hang Le, MD, Spec. I
• Email: ltthang.ckii.yhct24@ump.edu.vn
• Phone: +84-909789694

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• A novel multi angular isometric lumbar exercise for chronic low back pain

  This trial tests MAILE, a new lumbar exercise method, to see if it helps adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain more than standard lumbar stabilization and core exercises.

  Recruiting Hamad Medical Corporation · Doha · NCT07908693

• Pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and activity in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain

  This observational study looks at how negative pain thoughts and fear of moving relate to how active postmenopausal women with long‑standing low back pain are.

  Recruiting Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · Istanbul, Istanbul · NCT07856498

• Analgesia boost from adding a sacral submultifidus block to SIJ injection

  This study tests whether adding a sacral submultifidus block to a standard image-guided sacroiliac joint injection provides better pain relief and function for adults with chronic SIJ‑related pain.

  Recruiting Fayoum University Hospital · Al Fayyum · NCT07814729

• Telerehabilitation after spine surgery

  This trial tests different ways of delivering post-operative instructions to people who had spinal decompression surgery to see how it affects recovery and healthcare use.

  Recruiting Kuopio University Hospital · Kuopio · NCT07795697

• How patient education helps people with chronic musculoskeletal pain stick to home exercise for pain relief

  A structured patient education program is tested to see if it helps people with chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and shoulder problems stick with their home exercise plan to relieve pain.

  Recruiting Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University · Dammam, Eastern Province · NCT07764354

• Core endurance vs segmental stabilization for low back pain in recreational athletes

  This trial tests whether core endurance exercises or segmental stabilization exercises better help recreational athletes with non-specific low back pain.

  Recruiting Uskudar University · Istanbul · NCT07760103

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.