The Clinical Study on Effects of Moxa-pellet Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

만성요통(慢性腰痛) 환자(患者)에 대한 압봉료법(壓蓬療法)의 임상적(臨床的) 관찰(觀察)

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Moxa Pellet therapy on chronic low back pain. Methods: Subjects were voluntarily recruited by newspapers and internet. The Moxa Pellet therapy was performed for 4 weeks. Patients were randomized to three groups: Moxa Pellets, Control-l and Control-2 group. Moxa Pellets group administered with Moxa Pellets, Control-l group administered with moxa pellet-shaped moxa pellet without available components and Control-2 group administered with round bonded fabric that could not give pressing stimulation. Acupuncture points used in this study were $GV_3$, $BL_{23}$, $BL_{24}$, $BL_{25}$ and $BL_{22}$. The patient's symptoms were assessed before and after 4 weeks treatments by VAS, SF-MPQ and SF- 36. Results : The results are follows; 1. VAS score showed significant difference in Moxa Pellet group and Control-l group after treatment. 2. SF-MPQ score showed significant difference only in Moxa Pellet group. 3. Moxa Pellet group showed significant difference in PF, RE, MR, and BP of SF- 36 score after treatment; Control-l group showed no significant difference; Control-2 group showed significant difference in BP. There were no significant difference among the groups. Conclusions : This study suggests that Moxa Pellet therapy can be applicable to improve symptoms in the patients with chronic low back pain. Further studies on the Moxa Pellet therapy and other treatment in the patients with chronic low back pain is recommended.