Riassunto dello studio

Seventy-four patients with low back pain with radiculopathy from lumbar herniated intervertebral disc were randomized to receive either UCSGH (n=37) or loxoprofen (n=36) for six weeks, along with weekly acupuncture treatments for both groups. The primary outcome was the change in low back pain as measured by the 100-mm VAS. Secondary outcomes included radiating pain, function (ODI and RMDQ), quality of life (EQ-index and EQ-VAS), and global perceived effect (GPE). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 10 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that UCSGH was equivalent to loxoprofen in reducing low back pain and radiating pain at weeks 6 and 10, with no significant differences in function, quality of life, or GPE. Adverse events were similar between groups, with a slightly lower frequency of adverse events in the UCSGH group. These findings suggest that UCSGH may be a viable and safe alternative to NSAIDs for LHIVD patients.