Available online 24 August 2022

To observe the effect of catgut-embedding therapy at five neck points in the treatment of cervical spondylotic arteriopathy (CSA) and analyze its effects on the hemodynamics of patients with CSA.

Using the computer randomization method, 72 patients with CSA were divided into a catgut-embedding therapy group (n=36, none dropped out) and a western medication group (n=36, none dropped out). In the catgut-embedding therapy group, the therapy was applied to five neck points, i.e. bilateral Jĭngjiājĭ (颈夹脊) at C5, bilateral Jĭngjiājĭ (颈夹脊) at C6, and Dàzhuī (大椎GV14) once a week. One 3-week treatment session was required. In the western medication group, flunarizine hydrochloride 5 mg capsules were administered orally once daily for 3 weeks. Efficacy was assessed before and after 3 weeks treatment using a functional evaluation scale for cervical spondylotic arteriopathy (FS-CSA). Changes in vertebral-basilar arterial hemodynamics, serum nitric oxide (NO) level, and plasma endothelin (ET) level were detected.

Efficacy was assessed when the treatment session was completed. The total efficacy rate was significantly higher in the catgut-embedding therapy group (86.1%) than in the western medication group (61.1%; P < 0.01). The after treatment FS-CSA score was reduced compared with baseline score in both groups (P < 0.05), and the reduction in the catgut-embedding therapy group was superior to that in the Western medication group (P < 0.05). Compared with baseline, the flow velocity and pulsatility index of the bilateral vertebral and basilar arteries increased at each period in both groups (P < 0.05) except for the left systolic velocity of the vertebral artery after treatment. The increase in the catgut-embedding therapy group was greater than that in the western medication group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the serum NO concentration was increased and the plasma ET concentration was reduced compared to baseline in both groups (P < 0.05), while the improvements in the catgut-embedding therapy group were superior to those in the western medication group (P < 0.05).

The clinical efficacy in the catgut-embedding therapy group was superior to that in the western medication group. Catgut-embedding therapy at five neck points may effectively improve psychological and functional conditions, promote vertebral basilar arterial supply, and relieve clinical symptoms in patients with CSA.

Jĭngjiājĭ (颈夹脊) at C5

Jĭngjiājĭ (颈夹脊) at C6

Dàzhuī (大椎GV14)

Acupoint embedding therapy

Cervical spondylotic arteriopathy

Blood flow rate

Functional evaluation scale for cervical spondylotic arteriopathy(FS-CSA)

© 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of World Journal of Acupuncture Moxibustion House.