Analysis of effect and long-term results of traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive treatment for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy

Objective To explore the efficacy, safety and long-term effects of traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive program including massage, rehabilitation and neck pain granules for cervical spondylosis. Methods A total of 86 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy admitted to our hospital from February 2014 to February 2015 were divided into control group (43 cases) and observation group (43 cases) according to the random number table method. The control group was treated with cervical traction, diclofenac sodium sustained release tablets and neck circumference, while the observation group was given the comprehensive treatment of massage, rehabilitation and neck pain granules. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. The Odom grading, clinical assessment scale for cervical spondylosis (CASCS), neck disability index (NDI), visual analogue score (VAS) and quality of life score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The adverse reactions occurred during treatment and the recurrence during follow-up after treatment were compared. Results After treatment, the Odom grading were all significantly improved, and the Odom grading of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group (P<0.05). In two groups, the CASCS scores were higher than those before treatment, and the NDI and VAS scores were lower than those before treatment (all P<0.05). The CASCS score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, and the NDI and VAS scores were lower than that of the control group (all P<0.05). The scores of the physiological, psychological, environmental and social relations fields of the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment, and the scores of the above items in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (4.65% vs. 9.30%, P>0.05). The recurrence rates of the observation group at 12, 24 and 48 months after treatment were significantly lower than that of the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion The traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive program of massage, rehabilitation and neck pain granules is effective for the treatment of cervical spondylosis, which can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and life quality of patients, and significantly reduce the long-term recurrence rate, and has the good safety.