Download Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis by Acupuncture using new points

Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis by Acupuncture using new points
Prof. Dr. B.K.Singh, B.Sc, M.B.B.S, D.Ac, Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Litt, R.Ac
President & Dean of International Academy of Bhupendra Techniques
118, 119 – 2238 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T7, Canada
Definition
Cervical Spondylosis is a degenerative condition characterized by the following changes leading
to compression of the nerves and veins around the area resulting in many complications.
1. Degeneration of inter-vertebral discs with the formation of bony ridges running across the
anterior surface of the neural canal.
2. Formation of osteophytes from the neurocentral joints of Luschka which project
backwards into the inter-vertebral foramen, which may present with neurological
symptoms or may pass symptom-less.
3. It may also result from the sudden strains on the affected joints as, for example, in the
violent forward lurch sustained in a road traffic accident often called “whip-lash” injuries,
resulting in referred pain in the occipital or post-auricular regions. Patients may also
complaint the pain around the upper portion of trapezius muscle and between the
scapula.
4. Degenerative changes in the joints may cause severe osteophytosis with consequent
deformity of the canal and disorganization of the blood supply to the cord.
5. Sensory impairment is seldom demonstrable, but there is usually a zone of hyperalgesia
corresponding to the segment just above the level of lesion.
Clinical Features
The patient may present with a complaint of persistent occipital and posterior auricular pain,
which may aggravate by certain movements. There may be muscle wasting because of not
enough blood supply to the region and also due to disuse atrophy. There may be slowly
progressing paraplegia in certain cases and after sometime one or both arms may show the signs
of spasticity.
Pathogenesis and western terminologies
Spondylitis: Inflammation of one or more vertebra.
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Spondylosis: Vertebral ankylosis or none specifically to any lesion of the spine of a degenerative
nature.
Spondylolysis: A loosing of the firm attachment of a contiguous vertebrae, breaking down or
dissolution of the body of vertebrae.
Spondylopyosis: Supporative inflammation of one or more vertebra bodies.
Spondylolisthesis: Forward subluxation of the body of one of the lower lumbar vertebrae.
Material and Method:
Places of treatment
Indian Acupuncture centre, Allahabad, India
International Academy of Bhupendra Techniques, Vancouver, Canada,
and in Holland, England, USA, and Australia during Dr. Singh’s workshops.
Duration of the study
The study was conducted during a period of 22 years from 1981 to 2003
Number of patients
Total 63 patients were treated during this period with possible follow up.
Sex ratio:
Male and female ratio was 1: 3.
Age:
The patients included in this study were between the age of 28 years to 46 years.
Family history:
The family history was positive in 23% of cases. In some cases mother had the same problem,
while in other brothers or sisters have some kind of recurrent neck pain.
Past history:
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About 46% cases gave the suggestive history of some kind of trauma or confirmed history of car
accidents.
Nature of employment:
Out of 63 patients selected for the study 13 were computer experts, 11 were nurses. 8 were
housewives, 5 were painters, 4 were high profile business executives, 2 were dentists, some
were office workers, teachers, writers, lab assistants, and others were in different changing jobs.
Presenting problems:
Out of 63 patients 25 came with the complaint of pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders, with
occasional dizziness. These patients did not reveal any signs of degenerative changes in the
cervical vertebra. 18 patients presented with dizziness, occipital headache, earlier diagnosed and
treated elsewhere as migraine without much relief. These patients showed signs of inflammation
in cervical fourth and fifth vertebra, with narrowing of the space. 16 patients came with problems
of constant dizziness, pain in neck radiating to arms, jaws, eyes, shoulders, occipital headaches,
and nausea. 2 patients suffered from very serious and constant dizziness, not able to stand well
and walk, in addition to all the above complaints. One patient who was herself a lady doctor in
military had two surgeries and replacement of two vertebras and was advised further surgeries as
degeneration was progressing to thoracic and lumber vertebra and there was nothing which could
be done to slowdown or stop the degenerative process. One patient presented with very severe
pain all over the body, and the pain used to aggravate even just on touching and by loud sound
and voice. Muscle wasting was also evident in this case. Total 18 patients revealed the signs of
degeneration in cervical third, fourth, fifth and in some cases even sixth vertebras. About 50% of
cases were on cervical collars and on heavy medications like analgesics, muscle relaxants, and
tranquilizers. Some had local injections of steroids in a desperate attempt. Many were taking
shelter of massage, yoga and other relaxing exercises. In total 19 patients was advised surgery
as a last resort.
Western medical approach of treatment
A. Conservative Treatment
1. Pain killers may be of some use to relieve the pain of the patient which may often be
combined with tranquilizers. But the results may be frustrating.
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2. Cervical collars of different types are often prescribe to immobilize the neck and take
some of the weight of the head off the cervical vertebrae, but it is doubtful whether the
affects obtained compensate for the inconvenience or discomfort.
B. Surgical Treatment
1. In case it become chronic may be permanently relived by the insertion of a paraspinal
inlay to immobilise the affected joints.
2. Persistent occipital and post-auricular pain is usually relived by excision of the
corresponding nerve.
3. Bony ridges on the anterior surface of the cord may compress arteries and veins with
consequent neurological symptoms and spasticity of ultimate cord atrophy simulating a
mid-line disc lesion, which should be treated by division of dentate ligaments.
4. Intraforaminal compression by osteophytes may affect multiple nerve roots. These nerve
roots should be decompressed by excision of the back of the intervertebral foramina by
hemifacetectomy.
Pulse Diagnosis
Most of these cases presented with disturbances and imbalance in Kidney, Urinary Bladder,
Lung, and Gall Bladder pulses.
Acupuncture treatment using Bhupendra “C” points
Points were selected from the following:

Bahui GV 20

Jianjing GB 21

Hoku LI 4

Taner (Ex. point)

Taiyuan Lu 9

Bipay (Ex. point)

Fengchi GB 20

Bhupendra “C” points
Location of Bhupendra “C” points
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This is a set of total five points. One is located in midline between the third and fourth vertebral
disc. Two are located on either side, in between the space of transverse process of third and
fourth vertebras, while other two are located on either side in between the space of transverse
process of fourth and fifth vertebras
Insertion technique:
Half cun needles of 30 gauges are selected to acupuncture these points. Patient is asked to bend
his/her neck forward and then points are inserted under complete aseptic procedure. Needle
should be inserted only quarter of a cun in side with care.
Method of stimulation:
Upper and lower points on either side are connected by two different wires on each side using
very fine light crocodiles and stimulated by a continuous type of stimulation 40-60 per minute with
the care not to cause any discomfort or pain to patient.
Duration of the stimulation:
45 minutes daily, for minimum 10 to 15 days
Result:
Out of 63 patients 46 were totally symptoms free after 10 to 15 days of treatment. The most
important achievement was that out of 19 patients who were advised surgery 17 could avert
surgery but needed some intermittent treatment as a maintenance course. Two landed up in
surgery. Some of these cases were in constant touch with our centre for further suggestion so a
good follow up could be maintained for a very long time. Some changed jobs, as advised. 12
patient’s responses was satisfactory, they were relieved but could not be totally symptom free
and required more recurrent treatment, but were free from medication. 5 patients did not show
much response and discontinued the treatment. In these cases since we lost contact, so follow up
could not be maintained.
Result of the study was calculated and was found as follows:
Excellent to good
73%
Satisfactory
19%
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Poor to no response
8%
Conclusion:
Cervical spondylitis and spondylosis are fast increasing in incidence, due to the nature of our
jobs, and high stung and tense life style in the present competitive society. This may also be
aggravated by soft mattress, high pillows, long hours of driving and working on computers, lack of
exercise, obesity, and wrong postures during our routine activities. If these cases are diagnosed
and treated by Acupuncture, in an early stage, when the pain and stiffness arises, not only help in
improving life style, working capacity, but also can avert many surgeries, saving money, time and
torture.
Caution: It is advised that due to finer techniques and dangerous locations of the Bhupendra
Points, do not try to attempt, without attending Dr. Singh’s workshops, which are organised from
time to time.
For detail please call: 604 432 9009, 604 873 4661, 604-722-9934
www.bhupendratechniques.com
[email protected]
Location of Bhupendra “C” Points
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Location of Needles at Bhupendra “C” Points
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