Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture at Tianzhu (BL10) on Blood Stasis Type lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods From October, 2013 to October, 2015, 108 LDH cases were randomized into observation group (n=53) and control group (n=55) in accordance with the order of visiting. The observation group received Tuina and acupuncture mainly at Tianzhu, while the control group only received Tuina, for four weeks. The clinical efficacy and improvement of Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were recorded, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured before and after treatment. Results The VAS score and IL-6 content decreased in both groups after treatment (t>4.220, P<0.001), and decreased more in the observation group than in the control group (t>3.745, P<0.001). The total effective rate was 94.34% in the observation group, more than 81.82% in the control group (χ2=3.997, P=0.046). The incidence of impromvement of JOA scores was 90.57% in the observation group, more than 76.36% in the control group (χ2=3.920, P=0.048). Conclusion Acupuncture at Tianzhu based on Tuina is more effective on Blood Stasis Type lumbar disc herniation, in term of pain and function, which may relate with decrease of the level of IL-6.

Key words: lumbar disc herniation, Blood Stasis Type, acupuncture, Tuina, Tianzhu, pain, interleukin-6