Presentation summary

1/ Background :
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common cause of back and radicular pain, often resolving spontaneouslyover time via inflammatory-mediated resorption. While conservative treatments are standard, the potential roleof acupuncture in modulating the rate of herniation resorption has not been fully elucidated.

Objective :
To evaluate whether acupuncture, when integrated into a multimodal conservative treatment protocol, isassociated with accelerated radiological resorption of lumbar disc herniations compared to conservativetreatment alone.

Methods :
This retrospective cohort study analyzed clinical and radiological outcomes of 128 patients diagnosed withLDH confirmed by MRI. Patients were divided into two groups: the acupuncture group (n=65), receivingstandardized acupuncture sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks as part of their treatment, and the control group(n=63), managed with physiotherapy and pharmacologic therapy alone. Serial MRI assessments wereperformed at baseline and at 4-month intervals. The primary outcome was the time to significant discresorption (>50% volume reduction).

Results :
The acupuncture group demonstrated a significantly shorter mean resorption time (5.2 ± 1.4 months)compared to the control group (9.3 ± 2.1 months; p < 0.001). Additionally, patients in the acupuncture group reported faster reduction in radicular pain (measured via VAS) and earlier functional recovery (OswestryDisability Index).

Conclusion :
Incorporation of acupuncture into conservative treatment for lumbar disc herniation is associated with asignificantly faster rate of disc resorption and symptomatic improvement. These findings suggest a potentialimmunomodulatory and pro-resorptive effect of acupuncture that warrants further investigation throughprospective randomized controlled trials.

2/ Introduction : 
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction accounts for 10–30% of cases of low back pain, especially in women withlower BMI. The SIJ is a complex anatomical structure with both synovial and syndesmotic components, andany part can be a source of pain. SIJ dysfunction includes degenerative changes without specific pathology(e.g., tumors, fractures). Pain typically presents unilaterally in the Fortin area with characteristic radiation.Baliao points (BL31–34), located at the sacral foramina, are traditionally used in acupuncture to regulate pelvicand lower back function. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a promising regenerative approach that mayenhance pain relief and tissue healing. This study investigates the clinical efficacy of PRP injections into Baliaopoints for patients with SIJ dysfunction.

Method :
A total of 62 patients with confirmed SIJ dysfunction were enrolled and divided into two groups. Diagnosis wasconfirmed via MRI, SIJ block with anesthetic, and rheumatologic screening. Group 1 (n=30) received weeklysubcutaneous PRP injections into BL31–34 (0.5–1 ml per point, 8 sessions total), combined with twoacupuncture courses (12 sessions each), NSAIDs (on demand), and muscle relaxants (tizanidine ortolperisone). Group 2 (n=32) received the same treatment excluding PRP. All participants were instructed toavoid prolonged sitting, lifting heavy objects, and to follow supportive physical therapy, kinesiotaping, andexercise regimens. PRP was prepared from fasting autologous venous blood centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 8 minutes.

Results :
The study included 38 patients (25 women, 13 men), aged 30–60, with SIJ dysfunction and chronic pain lastingon average 1.6 ± 0.7 years. At baseline, VAS pain scores were 7.45 ± 1.33 (Group 1) and 7.16 ± 1.25 (Group2); ODI scores were 22.18 ± 4.29 and 24.81 ± 5.36, respectively. After treatment, both groups showedsignificant pain reduction : VAS 2.67 ± 1.72 (Group 1), 3.08 ± 1.98 (Group 2); ODI 4.82 ± 1.72 (Group