Electroacupuncture Treatment for Discogenic Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent clinical condition characterized by pain localized between the lower edge of the 12th rib and the gluteal fold.The incidence of LBP has been escalating annually.An epidemiological survey encompassing 204 countries and territories globally projects a stark increase in the affected population, from an estimated 619 million in 2020 to a projected 843 million by 2050.LBP can affect individuals across all age groups, with a lifetime prevalence ranging from 60% to 80%, significantly impairing quality of life. Discogenic low back pain (DLBP), attributed to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, is the predominant subtype of LBP, comprising approximately 39% of all LBP cases. Disc degeneration typically initiates in early adulthood and progresses with age, potentially leading to DLBP.As the population ages, DLBP has emerged as a major contributor to disability worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Current international guidelines establish the foundation for surgical and pharmacological interventions for DLBP.However, considering the adverse effects and economic implications associated with surgical and medical treatments, there is a growing inclination towards recommending non-pharmacological therapies.These include physiotherapy, self-management, and psychotherapy, with a concurrent reduction in emphasis on pharmacological and surgical options. Acupuncture and moxibustion are integral components of traditional Chinese medicine, garnering global recognition for their role in restoring the equilibrium of yin and yang within the human body . Electroacupuncture, a modern derivation of traditional acupuncture, has been extensively applied worldwide for the management of various painful conditions, including headache, myofibromyalgia, neck pain, and cancer-related pain. Despite its broad application, a limited number of clinical efficacy and safety studies have been conducted on electroacupunctur