Abstract

Background: Sciatica is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder worldwide, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life and functional capacity. Although previous studies have reported favorable outcomes with single-modality interventions, no research to date has evaluated the combined application of electroacupuncture at lumbar Jiaji (EX-B2) points, Tuina massage and acupressure therapy, the traditional herbal formula Tam Ty Thang, and shortwave diathermy in patients with sciatica secondary to lumbar spondylosis. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of this multimodal approach.

Methods: A quasi-experimental controlled clinical study (non-randomized, matched design) was conducted on 100 inpatients diagnosed with sciatica due to lumbar spondylosis at Hue Traditional Medicine Hospital. Patients were allocated into two groups: Group 1 received electroacupuncture at lumbar Jiaji (EX-B2) points, Tuina massage and acupressure therapy, Tam Ty Thang, and shortwave diathermy; Group 2 received the same regimen without shortwave diathermy. Treatment duration was 10 days, and outcomes were evaluated at day 14.

Results: Patients aged over 60 years constituted the majority of participants (78.0% in Group 1 and 74.0% in Group 2). After 14 days of treatment, pain intensity showed significant improvement as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The median VAS score in group 1 decreased to 0 (0 - 4), which was lower than that of group 2, decreasing to 2 (0 - 4).

Conclusion: The above findings indicate that the integration of Traditional Medicine and Modern Medicine modalities provides enhanced therapeutic effectiveness and should be considered for broader application in clinical practice.