A single-center, prospective, observational study to evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on lumbar disc pain and functional fitness in patients diagnosed with herniated lumbar disc disease.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH), a condition characterized by the displacement of the disc beyond the intervertebral space, often resulting in lower back pain, neurological dysfunction, and associated symptoms. The primary objective is to assess acupuncture’s effectiveness in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients. Secondary objectives include evaluating the need for additional pain management, such as painkillers or nerve blockers, and monitoring changes in key pain and disability metrics using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Low Back Disability Score, Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score, and SF-36 score. The study will also track hospital admissions related to LDH during the treatment period. Inclusion criteria include all genders aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation or degeneration confirmed by MRI/X-ray, and with an NPRS score of ≥5. Exclusion criteria include previous spinal surgery, severe spinal deformities, pregnancy, and other serious medical conditions. Data parameters will include MRI findings, NPRS scores, Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire results, PGIC scale, SF-36 Questionnaire results, and a qualitative interview covering functional capabilities like walking, standing, and sitting, as well as the need for additional pain management or hospital admission. A total of 60 patients will be recruited for this study, with primary endpoints focused on acupuncture’s efficacy in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes, and secondary endpoints assessing the need for additional pain management and hospital admissions related to LDH.