Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background:
Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine are an uncommon cause of low back and radicular pain. The role of acupuncture in this condition is not well-defined.
Objectives:
To report a case of radicular pain due to synovial cyst treated with electroacupuncture and to review the literature on this topic.
Design, Setting, and Patient:
A patient presented to the Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic in Victoria, Australia, with severe left leg radicular pain for a month. On x-ray computed tomography, there was a large rim calcified left L5-S1 related synovial cyst.
Intervention:
The first acupoint was Extra 15 at the 5th lumar vertebra level (L5 Jiaji), another 2 were Ah Shi points. Two needles were punctured perpendicularly to reach approximately 50 mm deep and were connected to the stimulator. The middle acupuncture needle also reached a depth of approximately 50 mm.
Main Outcome Measure:
Patient report of low back and leg pain.
Results:
After 6 sessions (3 weeks), the patient's low back and radicular pain disappeared. The orthopedic physical examination used after the completion of the course of treatment was compared with the status before the treatment; all the positive signs indicated before the treatment had become negative. At a follow-up 12 months later, there were still no symptoms and physical signs to indicate recurrence. Repeat x-ray computed tomography showed no calcified synovial cyst.
Conclusions:
This patient achieved resolution of her condition. This case report should provide direction for future studies in this area.
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