Abstract: Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture, warm needling therapy and acupuncture on the third lumbar transverse process syndrome. Methods 90 patients were assigned to receive electroacupuncture therapy (n=30), warm needling therapy (n=30) and acupuncture therapy (n=30) for 20 times. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring systems for lower back pain before and after treatment. Results The scores of JOA increased and the scores of VAS decreased significantly in all the groups after treatment (P<0.001). Both the scores were better in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture, warm needling therapy, and acupuncture are effective on the third lumbar transverse process syndrome, among which the electroacupuncture is most effective.

Key words: third lumbar transverse process syndrome, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needling