How Can Acupuncture Treat Cervical Spondylosis Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)?
Written by Nina Jatuparisuthiseen, L.Ac., LMT, C.SMA
What is cervical spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a condition for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck due to degenerative changes in cervical bone, ligaments, intervertebral discs, facet joints, and muscles. The degeneration starts at age 40+ and worsens with age.
Symptoms
The spinal canal is the space inside the vertebrae that the spinal cord and the nerve roots pass through to reach the rest of the body along the dermatome (Fig.2). CSR results in a narrowing of the spinal canal within the bones of the vertebrae when too much pressure is applied to nerve roots (commonly called “Pinched Nerve,” Fig.1), a patient might experience; numbness, tingling ,and weakness in the arms and hands—C5 and C6 nerves most frequently affected.
Orthopedic Testing
Spurling’s Test
Jackson Compression Test
Distraction Test
Fig. 1 medicoverhospitals.in
Fig. 2 Dermatome Map
How acupuncture works for CSR
According to the Sports Medicine Acupuncture book by Matt Callison, the critical acupuncture points select to use are Huatuojianji points.
Hua Tuo is a Chinese physician (110-207AD in Hun dynasty) who found a set of Huatuojianji points, and Jian Ji translates as “along the spine.” They are located 0.5-1 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of each vertebra, in a total of 48 points.
“From the perspective of modern anatomy, the Huatuojiaji points are found in the same paraspinal region as the medial branch of the dorsal primary nerve. The lateral branch of this nerve innervates the erector spinal musculature, which is found at the acupuncture points of the inner and outer Urinary Bladder channels on the back (Fig. 3). The Huatuojiaji points, the deep paraspinal muscles, their innervation, and the vertebrae they act upon are directly affected by the decline of Kidney qi and Jing.” said Matt Callison
Fig.3 Sports Medicine Acupuncture, an Integrated Approach Combining Sports Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
First, the acupuncturist accesses the HTJJ points in spondylosis through palpation, which will predicate the appropriate needle technique for the best results.
Finding the points that feel tight, rigid, and hypertonic paraspinal muscles indicates an excess condition. The opposite HTJJ point will feel somewhat soft due to hypotonic paraspinal muscles.
After that, acupuncture needles are inserted into the affected dorsal primary rami nerve to decompress space of the intervertebral foramen where the spinal nerve exits. This results in adequate neural stimulation to communicate and send a proper efferent signal to maintain motor response and cellular function.
Acupuncture is the minimal invasive approach.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that has stood the test of time and has proven effective in treating various health issues, including cervical spondylosis. Its technique, which involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, stimulates the flow of energy or Qi. The benefits of acupuncture for cervical spondylosis include pain relief, inflammation reduction, and improved circulation. Moreover, it relaxes muscles and minimizes tension in the neck and shoulders, which are contributing factors to the condition. Overall, acupuncture is a safe and reliable way to manage the symptoms of cervical spondylosis and enhance overall health and well-being.
Reference:
Nakajima M, Inoue M, Itoi M, Kitakoji H. Clinical effect of acupuncture on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: results of a case series. Acupunct Med. 2013 Dec;31(4):364-7. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010317. Epub 2013 Aug 21. PMID: 23965301.
Xue K, Liu H, Shi Q, Wang X, He Y, Cui J, Fu J. The efficacy and safety of fire needle for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Aug 6;100(31):e26824. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000026824. PMID: 34397845; PMCID: PMC8341279.
Matt Callison, Sports Medicine Acupuncture, an Integrated Approach Combining Sports Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.