금맥한의원
Geummaek Research

Research Papers

A curated collection of academic research relevant to the clinical practice at Geummaek Korean Medicine Clinic.

Research Papers
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Total 55 papers

Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Postpartum Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Noh HM, Ahn YJ, Park JE, et al.

Journal of Clinical Medicine (2024)

15 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
1,247 subjects Total Participants
-2.14 Pain MD

Acupuncture is a safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment option for postpartum low back pain.

Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Postpartum Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Noh HM, Ahn YJ, Park JE, et al. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2024)
15 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
1,247 subjects Total Participants
-2.14 Pain MD

Summary

Fifteen studies (total 1,247 subjects) evaluating the effect of acupuncture for postpartum low back pain were systematically reviewed. Acupuncture demonstrated significant effects in pain reduction (MD: -2.14, 95% CI: -2.68 to -1.60) compared to general care and was confirmed safe for use during breastfeeding.

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture is a safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment option for postpartum low back pain.

Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Long-Term Effect of Korean Medicine Combination Therapy on Degenerative Spinal Disease: A 5-Year Cohort Study

Cho WS, Kim TH, Lee AR, et al.

European Spine Journal (2023)

65% Surgery Conversion Reduction
280 subjects Number of Participants
5 years Follow-up Period

Continuous management with Korean medicine combination therapy significantly reduces the need for surgery in degenerative spinal disease and improves long-term prognosis.

Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Long-Term Effect of Korean Medicine Combination Therapy on Degenerative Spinal Disease: A 5-Year Cohort Study

Cho WS, Kim TH, Lee AR, et al. European Spine Journal (2023)
65% Surgery Conversion Reduction
280 subjects Number of Participants
5 years Follow-up Period

Summary

A prospective cohort study followed 280 patients with degenerative spinal disease for 5 years. The group continuing Korean medicine combination therapy (acupuncture, herbal medicine, chuna) had a surgery conversion rate of 8%, significantly lower than the 23% of the control group.

Key Conclusion

Continuous management with Korean medicine combination therapy significantly reduces the need for surgery in degenerative spinal disease and improves long-term prognosis.

Cross-Sectional Lower Back Pain

Correlation Between Psychological Factors and Acupuncture Response in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Baek IH, Yoo JH, Kim MJ, et al.

Integrative Medicine Research (2024)

210 subjects Number of Participants
32% Response Rate Difference
Pain Catastrophizing Major Predictor

The acupuncture effect for chronic low back pain is influenced by patient psychological state, and combined psychological intervention is necessary for patients with high pain catastrophizing.

Cross-Sectional Lower Back Pain

Correlation Between Psychological Factors and Acupuncture Response in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Baek IH, Yoo JH, Kim MJ, et al. Integrative Medicine Research (2024)
210 subjects Number of Participants
32% Response Rate Difference
Pain Catastrophizing Major Predictor

Summary

The correlation between depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing levels and acupuncture response was analyzed in 210 chronic low back pain patients. Patients with high pain catastrophizing scores showed 32% lower acupuncture response rates, and response rates recovered when psychological intervention was combined.

Key Conclusion

The acupuncture effect for chronic low back pain is influenced by patient psychological state, and combined psychological intervention is necessary for patients with high pain catastrophizing.

Before-After Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Pharmacopuncture and Electroacupuncture for Sciatica: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Jung SY, Han CH, Lim JH, et al.

Journal of Pharmacopuncture (2023)

65% Pain Reduction Rate
25° SLR Angle Increase
52% Functional Disability Improvement

Combined pharmacopuncture and electroacupuncture effectively improves pain and functional disability in sciatica.

Before-After Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Pharmacopuncture and Electroacupuncture for Sciatica: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Jung SY, Han CH, Lim JH, et al. Journal of Pharmacopuncture (2023)
65% Pain Reduction Rate
25° SLR Angle Increase
52% Functional Disability Improvement

Summary

Combined pharmacopuncture (Shinbaro) and electroacupuncture were administered for 4 weeks to 72 patients with sciatica, and pain (VAS), lower extremity radicular pain (SLR angle), and functional disability (ODI) were evaluated. VAS decreased by 65%, SLR angle increased by an average of 25 degrees, and ODI improved by 52%.

Key Conclusion

Combined pharmacopuncture and electroacupuncture effectively improves pain and functional disability in sciatica.

RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Needle-Knife Therapy in Internal Disc Disruption Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lee SH, Park CW, Kim JH, et al.

Pain Medicine (2024)

71% Pain Reduction Rate
88 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Evaluation Time Point

Needle-knife therapy demonstrates superior effects compared to conventional acupuncture for pain reduction and structural improvement in internal disc disruption patients.

RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Needle-Knife Therapy in Internal Disc Disruption Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lee SH, Park CW, Kim JH, et al. Pain Medicine (2024)
71% Pain Reduction Rate
88 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Evaluation Time Point

Summary

Eighty-eight patients with internal disc disruption were compared between needle-knife therapy and conventional acupuncture treatment. The needle-knife therapy group showed a 71% reduction in VAS scores at 12 weeks, and disc edema reduction was observed on MRI.

Key Conclusion

Needle-knife therapy demonstrates superior effects compared to conventional acupuncture for pain reduction and structural improvement in internal disc disruption patients.

Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Meta-Analysis of Combined Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Kim DH, Choi AR, Song MY, et al.

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2023)

12 studies Number of Reviewed RCTs
-1.23 Pain SMD
-0.89 Functional SMD

Combined herbal medicine and acupuncture demonstrates superior effects in conservative treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis compared to Western medicine monotherapy.

Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Meta-Analysis of Combined Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Kim DH, Choi AR, Song MY, et al. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2023)
12 studies Number of Reviewed RCTs
-1.23 Pain SMD
-0.89 Functional SMD

Summary

Twelve RCTs evaluating the effect of combined herbal medicine and acupuncture for lumbar spondylolisthesis were meta-analyzed. The combined treatment group showed significant effects in pain reduction (SMD: -1.23) and functional improvement (SMD: -0.89) compared to Western medicine monotherapy.

Key Conclusion

Combined herbal medicine and acupuncture demonstrates superior effects in conservative treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis compared to Western medicine monotherapy.

RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of a Korean Medicine Self-Management Program for Low Back Pain Recurrence Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yoon SH, Lim CS, Cho HJ, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)

57% Recurrence Reduction
150 subjects Number of Participants
1 year Follow-up Period

The Korean medicine self-management program reduces low back pain recurrence rates by more than half and is effective for long-term low back pain management.

RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of a Korean Medicine Self-Management Program for Low Back Pain Recurrence Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yoon SH, Lim CS, Cho HJ, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)
57% Recurrence Reduction
150 subjects Number of Participants
1 year Follow-up Period

Summary

One hundred fifty patients with experience of low back pain recurrence were compared in a Korean medicine self-management program (Doin exercises, medicinal diet, lifestyle modification) for 1-year recurrence rates. The recurrence rate of the program participants was 18%, significantly lower than the 42% in the control group.

Key Conclusion

The Korean medicine self-management program reduces low back pain recurrence rates by more than half and is effective for long-term low back pain management.

Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Effect of Chuna Manipulation on Walking Ability in Spinal Stenosis Patients: A Cohort Study

Hwang MS, Lee JH, Kim KH, et al.

Spine (2023)

180m Walking Distance Increase
95 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Follow-up Period

Chuna manipulation is an effective non-surgical treatment for improving walking ability and daily living function in spinal stenosis patients.

Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Effect of Chuna Manipulation on Walking Ability in Spinal Stenosis Patients: A Cohort Study

Hwang MS, Lee JH, Kim KH, et al. Spine (2023)
180m Walking Distance Increase
95 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Follow-up Period

Summary

Ninety-five patients with intermittent claudication due to spinal stenosis were divided into a chuna manipulation group and a control group and followed for 12 weeks. Walking distance increased by an average of 180m in the chuna group, and neurogenic claudication symptoms improved significantly.

Key Conclusion

Chuna manipulation is an effective non-surgical treatment for improving walking ability and daily living function in spinal stenosis patients.

Before-After Lower Back Pain

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture in Acute Low Back Pain: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Oh SE, Jung WS, Park SJ, et al.

Korean Journal of Acupuncture (2024)

45% CRP Reduction Rate
58% Pain Reduction Rate
65 subjects Number of Participants

Bee venom pharmacopuncture effectively suppresses the inflammatory response in acute low back pain and provides rapid pain relief.

Before-After Lower Back Pain

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture in Acute Low Back Pain: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Oh SE, Jung WS, Park SJ, et al. Korean Journal of Acupuncture (2024)
45% CRP Reduction Rate
58% Pain Reduction Rate
65 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Five sessions of bee venom pharmacopuncture were administered to 65 patients within 72 hours of acute low back pain onset, and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) and pain levels were compared before and after. CRP decreased by an average of 45%, and VAS pain scores decreased by 58%.

Key Conclusion

Bee venom pharmacopuncture effectively suppresses the inflammatory response in acute low back pain and provides rapid pain relief.

Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Comparison of Analgesic Effects by Electroacupuncture Stimulation Frequency in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Systematic Review

Shin HK, Choi JY, Kang BK, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023)

18 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
2Hz Optimal Frequency
β-endorphin Mechanism of Action

In electroacupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain, 2Hz low-frequency stimulation provides optimal analgesic effects, and frequency selection significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Comparison of Analgesic Effects by Electroacupuncture Stimulation Frequency in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Systematic Review

Shin HK, Choi JY, Kang BK, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023)
18 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
2Hz Optimal Frequency
β-endorphin Mechanism of Action

Summary

Eighteen studies comparing the analgesic effects of 2Hz, 100Hz, and mixed frequencies in electroacupuncture were systematically reviewed. The 2Hz low-frequency stimulation showed the highest analgesic effect in chronic low back pain and was associated with increased β-endorphin secretion.

Key Conclusion

In electroacupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain, 2Hz low-frequency stimulation provides optimal analgesic effects, and frequency selection significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Acupuncture and Physical Therapy on Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Park JH, Kim SY, Lee DH, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2024)

62% Pain Reduction Rate
120 subjects Number of Participants
8 weeks Treatment Duration

The combination of acupuncture and physical therapy is more effective than monotherapy for pain reduction and functional recovery in disc herniation patients.

RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Acupuncture and Physical Therapy on Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Park JH, Kim SY, Lee DH, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2024)
62% Pain Reduction Rate
120 subjects Number of Participants
8 weeks Treatment Duration

Summary

One hundred twenty patients with lumbar disc herniation were compared between an acupuncture + physical therapy combined group and a physical therapy monotherapy group over 8 weeks. The combined treatment group showed an average 62% reduction in VAS pain scores, with significant improvement in ODI functional disability index.

Key Conclusion

The combination of acupuncture and physical therapy is more effective than monotherapy for pain reduction and functional recovery in disc herniation patients.

Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Personalized Herbal Medicine and Chuna Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Hwang EH, Choi TY, Lee MS, et al.

Spine (2025)

16 studies Included Studies
1,234 subjects Total Participants
VAS -2.4 points Pain Improvement Difference

Combined personalized herbal medicine and chuna show superior pain and functional improvement effects compared to single treatment for chronic low back pain.

Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Personalized Herbal Medicine and Chuna Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Hwang EH, Choi TY, Lee MS, et al. Spine (2025)
16 studies Included Studies
1,234 subjects Total Participants
VAS -2.4 points Pain Improvement Difference

Summary

A systematic analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials investigating the combined effect of herbal medicine and chuna for chronic low back pain. The combined treatment group showed significantly greater improvement in VAS pain scores and ODI functional disability scores than single-treatment groups.

Key Conclusion

Combined personalized herbal medicine and chuna show superior pain and functional improvement effects compared to single treatment for chronic low back pain.