[Clinical observation on treatment of cervicogenic headache with turtle-probing needling at Tianzhu (BL 10)].

OBJECTIVE

To observe therapeutic effect of turtle-probing needling at Tianzhu (BL 10) on cervicogenic headache.

METHODS

Seventy cases were randomly divided into a treatment group (n=36) and a control group (n= 34). The treatment group were treated with turtle-probing needling at Tianzhu (BL 10) on the affected side, first perpendicularly needling the point and then penetration-needling homolateral Fengchi (GB 20), Fengfu (GV 16), below cervical Jiaji points (EX-B2), and occipital tuberosity in order. And the control group were treated with acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20),Tianzhu (BL 10), Shuaigu (GB 8), Touwei (ST 8) and corresponding cervical Jiaji points (EX-B2), Houxi (SI 3), Ashi points at the affected side with routine needling manipulation. Treatment was given once each day, 6 sessions constituting one course.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups in therapeutic effect (P > 0.05), but the cured and markedly effective rates for analgesic effect in the observation group at the first three sessions were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The turtle-probing needling method and the routine needling have a similar therapeutic effect, but the turtle-probing needling method more rapidly produces the analgesic effect.