Objective To observe the effects of matrix acupuncture on the neck disability index(NDI) score

clinical efficacy

and the calcification size of the nuchal ligament in patients of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with nuchal ligament calcification. Methods A total of 120 cases were randomly divided into a matrix acupuncture group and a routine acupuncture group

with 60 cases in each group. In the matrix acupuncture group

Ashi-point

bilateral Tianzhu(BL10)

bilateral Fengchi(GB20)

bilateral Dazhu(BL11)

bilateral Jianzhongshu(SI15)

and Jianjing(GB21)

Tianzong(SI11)

Quchi(LI11)

Shousanli(LI10)

Waiguan(TE5)

and Hegu(LI4) at the affected side were selected. In the routine acupuncture group

C3—C7 Jiaji points at the neck and Jianjing(GB21)

Tianzong(SI11)

Quchi(LI11)

Shousanli(LI10)

Waiguan(TE5)

Hegu(LI4)

and Ashi-point at the affected side were selected. The patients in the two groups were treated 30 min once

six days a week

for a total of four weeks. The NDI scores

clinical efficacies

and calcification sizes of nuchal ligament were compared between the two groups every wee-kend. Results After four weeks of treatment

the NDI scores and calcification volumes of nuchal ligament decreased in both groups(P

<

0.05). Compared with the routine acupuncture group

the matrix acupuncture group showed decreased NDI scores and reduced calcification volumes of nuchal ligament at the 1

(st)

2(st)

2

(nd)

3(nd)

3

(rd)

and 4(rd)

and 4

(th)

weeks of treatment(P

<

0.05). The cure and marked effective rate in the matrix acupuncture group at the 2(th) weeks of treatment(P

<

0.05). The cure and marked effective rate in the matrix acupuncture group at the 2

(nd)

3(nd)

3

(rd)

and 4(rd)

and 4

(th)

weeks of treatment were superior to those of the routine acupuncture group(P

<

0.05). Conclusion The matrix acupuncture group and the routine acupuncture group are effective in reducing the NDI score and calcification size of nuchal ligament in patients of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with nuchal ligament calcification. However

matrix acupuncture has obvious advantages over routine acupuncture.