Korean Journal of Acupuncture

Society for Meridian and Acupoint (경락경혈학회)
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A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment Focused on Acupotomy Therapy for Acute Cervical Radiculopathy Presenting with Shoulder Pain

어깨 통증 양상으로 나타난 급성 경추부 신경뿌리병증 환자의 침도치료를 중심으로 한 한의치료 1례

  • Taehyeong, Kim (College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Dasol Park (Department of Diagnostics, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Jungtae Leem (Department of Diagnostics, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Gawon Choe (Sandol Korean Medicine Clinic)
  • 김태형 (원광대학교 한의과대학) ;
  • 박다솔 (원광대학교 한의과대학 진단학교실) ;
  • 임정태 (원광대학교 한의과대학 진단학교실) ;
  • 최가원 (산돌한의원)
  • Received : 2024.03.08
  • Accepted : 2024.04.25
  • Published : 2024.06.27
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Abstract

This case report aims to illustrate the diagnostic challenge and effective management of acute cervical radiculopathy presenting as shoulder pain, differentially diagnosed through physical examinations, and subsequently treated with acupotomy. A male patient in his late 20s with no significant medical history or comorbidities reported acute left shoulder pain upon awakening, rated at a severity of 7 on the numeric rating scale (NRS). Initial physical evaluations of the shoulder assembly revealed no abnormalities, but a positive Spurling test, relief with cervical distraction, and diminished sensation across the left C5~C8 dermatomes pointed towards a cervical spine origin. Immediate acupotomy at identified tender points significantly reduced pain, with additional therapies enhancing recovery. Pain was eliminated after the second treatment, and this resolution was sustained at the 4-week follow-up, confirming the treatment's effectiveness and verifying the absence of adverse effects. This case presents the critical need for precise diagnosis in cases of neck and shoulder pain. Additionally, the employment of acupotomy provided a swift and effective resolution of symptoms in acute cervical radiculopathy, showing its value in clinical practice.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea government (No NRF-2022R1C1C2008738). This research was also supported by a grant of the Korea Health Technology Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant no. HF23C0010). Funding agencies had no influence on the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation.

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