Electro-acupuncture Treatment Of Sciatica Stimulation Parameters Of The Literature

BackgroundAlthough transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electroacupuncture relieve the pain of sciatic, the stimulation parameters that would best prevent the development of the condition are not known. As an important content of Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture is widely applied for the treatment of sciatica in the world . Lots of research works were done both in China and in western countries,but quality of electroacupuncture stimulation parameter trials is not optimistic. This kind of high quality trial is rare in the world now.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to summarize main electroacupuncture stimulation parameters used in clinical treatments and animal experiments. Compared the ability of several different stimulation parameters used in clinical strategies to reduce the development of sciatica.MethodsTrials were searched in computerized general and specialized databases (MEDLINE, CBM, www.cnki.net).Summerized different kinds of stimulation parameters,such as frequency, wave, electric current, electrodes. Data was extracted from each included study with a data extraction. Analyze different effects of different stimulation parameters.Results135 trials from China, Japan and U.S.A were included. Clinical research suggested:daily electroacupuncture with freauency of 1~20Hz,electric current of 0.2~0.8mA, continuous and dilatational waveform , might be a useful treatment. Intensity of stimulation was to be able to bear by patient. Animal research suggested electroacupuncture with freauency of 2Hz and 5Hz,electric current of0.4~10mA, waveform of intermittent, might be a useful treatment. The intensity of stimulation was that needed to produce a visible muscle contraction. Peripheral nerve regeneration was accelerated by distal cathode DC application.conclusionsDifferent kinds of electroacupuncture stimulation parameters have different effects on treating sciatica. More evidence on validity of sciatic with different kinds of electroacupuncture stimulation parameters is still needed.There is a need for further well designed clinical trials.