Observation on the therapeutic efficacy of Tuina plus “three-bridge” exercise for non-specific low back pain

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) plus “three-bridge” exercise for non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Methods: A total of 80 patients with NSLBP were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. The two groups received Tuina treatment, and the observation group received an additional “three-bridge” exercise. The treatment lasted 4 weeks, and a follow-up evaluation was carried out 6 months after treatment. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores for low back pain were used to evaluate patients’ conditions before treatment, after 4-week treatment, and at the 6-month follow-up. Results: The total effective rate was 92.5% and 85.0% in the observation group, respectively, after 4-week treatment and at the 6-month follow-up, significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). After 4-week treatment and at the 6-month follow-up, the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores of the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and all the indicators in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). At the 6-month follow-up, the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores in the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tuina plus “three-bridge” exercise can effectively alleviate pain, improve function, and have relatively sound long-term effects in treating patients with NSLBP.