Investigating pressure-sensitive acupoints in patients with lumbar disc herniation

Exploring the Distribution Patterns and Infrared Characteristics of Force-sensitive Acupoints in Different Lumbar Nerve Segments in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation Based on "Press Quickly" Theory

This study is testing how sensitive certain pressure points along the lower back are in people with lumbar disc herniation compared to healthy individuals to see if temperature differences can help understand their healing potential.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 160 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
• Trial ID: NCT06318156 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the distribution patterns of pressure-sensitive acupoints in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) using a technique called responsive acupoint palpation and infrared thermography. It involves examining the sensitivity of acupoints along the lumbar spine in both LDH patients and healthy individuals. The study aims to identify temperature differences in acupoint areas to better understand their characteristics and potential therapeutic implications. A standardized pressure is applied to assess the responsiveness of these acupoints.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 65 with confirmed central type L4-L5 intervertebral disc herniation and experiencing mild to moderate pain.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain, severe comorbid conditions causing lower back pain, or those on recent systemic treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of acupoint characteristics and improve treatment strategies for patients suffering from lumbar disc herniation.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies exploring acupoint characteristics have shown promise, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range of 18 to 65 years, regardless of gender.
* Radiological confirmation of central type L4\~L5 intervertebral disc herniation.
* Meeting the diagnostic criteria for lumbar disc herniation, primarily manifesting as lower back pain, radicular pain, and numbness or weakness in the lower limbs, with imaging findings consistent with neurological localization.
* Patients in the non-acute phase of mild to moderate pain and functional impairment (onset more than 2 weeks ago), with a visual analog scale (VAS) score greater than 4 points and a Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score less than 15 points.
* No consumption of analgesics, neurotrophic drugs, or sedatives, and no systemic treatment in the past week.
* Willing participants in the study who have signed an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant internist and gynecological diseases that can cause lower back pain, such as nephritis, urinary tract stones, gynecological inflammations, and uterine pathologies.
* Individuals with severe primary diseases of the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, liver, kidney, etc.
* Patients with neurosis or psychiatric disorders, or those with a history of cranial trauma or coma.
* Patients with primary or ankylosing sciatica.
* Individuals with concomitant lumbar spondylolisthesis.
* Patients with lumbar spine tumors or tuberculosis.
* Individuals with consciousness disorders, severe impairments in vision, hearing, or speech, or any other condition that prevents the completion of a health assessment.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

• The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University — Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Xing-chen Zhou, Ph.D.

Conditions: Lumbar Disc Herniation, Press quickly, Point-press method, Pressure-sensitive acupoints, Infrared thermal imaging