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Geummaek Research

Research Papers

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

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Total 1642 papers

All Wellness / Restoration Gongjindan (拱辰丹) Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏) Gwanjeoldan (關節丹) Hyangseongpajeokhwan (響聲破笛丸) Mental Health Skin Conditions Digestive Disorders Respiratory Conditions ENT Disorders Neurological Disorders Pediatric / Adolescent Care Women's Health / Infertility Men's Health / Urology Geum! Maek! Capsule Diet Geum! Maek! Beauty Clinic Private Inpatient Room Traffic Accident Aftercare Pediatric Traffic Accident Workers' Compensation Lower Back Pain Neck Pain Shoulder Pain Elbow Pain Wrist / Hand Pain Hip Pain Knee Pain Ankle / Foot Pain TMJ Disorder
Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Surgery Conversion Rate After Korean Medicine Combination Therapy in Spinal Stenosis Patients: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Ahn JW, Lee DS, Chung HY, et al.

European Spine Journal (2024)

12% 2-Year Surgery Conversion Rate
300 subjects Number of Participants

The 2-year surgery conversion rate of spinal stenosis patients receiving Korean medicine combination therapy was 12%, confirming the efficacy of conservative management.

View Source 2024
Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Surgery Conversion Rate After Korean Medicine Combination Therapy in Spinal Stenosis Patients: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Ahn JW, Lee DS, Chung HY, et al. European Spine Journal (2024)
12% 2-Year Surgery Conversion Rate
300 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Three hundred patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis were recruited from three Korean medicine hospitals to receive combined Korean medicine treatment and were followed for 2 years. Surgery conversion rate, walking function, and quality of life changes were analyzed.

Key Conclusion

The 2-year surgery conversion rate of spinal stenosis patients receiving Korean medicine combination therapy was 12%, confirming the efficacy of conservative management.

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Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Dose-Response Relationship Between Acupuncture Frequency and Treatment Effect in Low Back Pain Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Byun KS, Heo WJ, Shin YM, et al.

Pain Medicine (2025)

2x/week Optimal Treatment Frequency
2,450 subjects Number of Participants

Acupuncture twice weekly or more demonstrated significantly superior pain reduction effects compared to once weekly, while no significant difference was observed between twice and three times weekly.

View Source 2025
Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Dose-Response Relationship Between Acupuncture Frequency and Treatment Effect in Low Back Pain Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Byun KS, Heo WJ, Shin YM, et al. Pain Medicine (2025)
2x/week Optimal Treatment Frequency
2,450 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

The dose-response relationship between acupuncture frequency (1x/week vs 2x/week vs 3x/week) and treatment effect was analyzed for low back pain. A total of 21 studies were included for meta-regression analysis.

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture twice weekly or more demonstrated significantly superior pain reduction effects compared to once weekly, while no significant difference was observed between twice and three times weekly.

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RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Integrated Korean Medicine Treatment on Low Back Pain with Comorbid Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Won DJ, Kim EK, Song BH, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2023)

62% Pain Improvement Rate
90 subjects Number of Participants

Integrated Korean medicine treatment demonstrated significant improvements in both low back pain and depressive symptoms compared to usual care.

View Source 2023
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Integrated Korean Medicine Treatment on Low Back Pain with Comorbid Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Won DJ, Kim EK, Song BH, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2023)
62% Pain Improvement Rate
90 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Ninety patients suffering from chronic low back pain and depression simultaneously were assigned to an integrated Korean medicine treatment group (acupuncture + herbal medicine + chuna) or a usual care control group. NRS, ODI, and PHQ-9 were tracked over 12 weeks.

Key Conclusion

Integrated Korean medicine treatment demonstrated significant improvements in both low back pain and depressive symptoms compared to usual care.

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Cross-Sectional Lower Back Pain

Effect of Korean Medicine Inpatient Treatment in Lumbar Disc Patients: National Health Insurance Claims Data Analysis

Jang SH, Oh MK, Lee TY, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2022)

8.3% 1-Year Surgery Conversion Rate
5,000 subjects Number of Participants

The 1-year surgery conversion rate of lumbar disc patients receiving Korean medicine inpatient treatment was 8.3%, confirming the efficacy of Korean medicine conservative treatment.

View Source 2022
Cross-Sectional Lower Back Pain

Effect of Korean Medicine Inpatient Treatment in Lumbar Disc Patients: National Health Insurance Claims Data Analysis

Jang SH, Oh MK, Lee TY, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2022)
8.3% 1-Year Surgery Conversion Rate
5,000 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Treatment outcomes of 5,000 patients hospitalized in Korean medicine hospitals for lumbar disc disease were analyzed using national health insurance claims data. Readmission rate, surgery conversion rate, and outpatient visit frequency were tracked.

Key Conclusion

The 1-year surgery conversion rate of lumbar disc patients receiving Korean medicine inpatient treatment was 8.3%, confirming the efficacy of Korean medicine conservative treatment.

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Narrative Review Lower Back Pain

Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacopuncture Therapy for Sciatica: A Narrative Review

Ko YS, Baek DH, Kim JN, et al.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2021)

18 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
3 types Major Pharmacopuncture Types

Pharmacopuncture therapy is an effective adjunctive treatment for sciatica, with bee venom pharmacopuncture and human placenta pharmacopuncture having the most abundant evidence.

View Source 2021
Narrative Review Lower Back Pain

Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacopuncture Therapy for Sciatica: A Narrative Review

Ko YS, Baek DH, Kim JN, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2021)
18 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
3 types Major Pharmacopuncture Types

Summary

The efficacy and safety of various pharmacopuncture therapies (bee venom, Hwangryunhaedok-tang, human placenta) used for sciatica were narratively reviewed. The mechanisms of action and clinical evidence of each pharmacopuncture were synthesized.

Key Conclusion

Pharmacopuncture therapy is an effective adjunctive treatment for sciatica, with bee venom pharmacopuncture and human placenta pharmacopuncture having the most abundant evidence.

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Before-After Lower Back Pain

Effect of Needle-Knife Therapy on Adhesion Resolution and Pain Relief in Low Back Pain Patients: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Yoon HK, Shin KW, Nam SJ, et al.

Spine (2024)

76% Pain Improvement Rate
55 subjects Number of Participants

Needle-knife therapy significantly improved pain and range of motion in chronic low back pain patients along with soft tissue adhesion resolution.

View Source 2024
Before-After Lower Back Pain

Effect of Needle-Knife Therapy on Adhesion Resolution and Pain Relief in Low Back Pain Patients: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Yoon HK, Shin KW, Nam SJ, et al. Spine (2024)
76% Pain Improvement Rate
55 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Needle-knife therapy was administered for 4 weeks to 55 patients with chronic low back pain suspected of having soft tissue adhesions. Adhesion levels were assessed by ultrasound imaging, and pain and range of motion were compared before and after treatment.

Key Conclusion

Needle-knife therapy significantly improved pain and range of motion in chronic low back pain patients along with soft tissue adhesion resolution.

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Case Study Lower Back Pain

Effect of Chuna Manipulation on Lumbar Disc Internal Pressure: A Biomechanical Study

Kim BH, Cho SH, Jung MH, et al.

European Spine Journal (2023)

5.2% Disc Height Increase
30 subjects Number of Participants

After chuna manipulation, disc height and T2 signal intensity increased significantly, suggesting potential improvement of the intradiscal environment.

View Source 2023
Case Study Lower Back Pain

Effect of Chuna Manipulation on Lumbar Disc Internal Pressure: A Biomechanical Study

Kim BH, Cho SH, Jung MH, et al. European Spine Journal (2023)
5.2% Disc Height Increase
30 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Disc water content and disc height were measured by MRI T2-weighted imaging before and after chuna manipulation in 30 lumbar disc patients. The biomechanical effects of chuna manipulation were quantitatively analyzed.

Key Conclusion

After chuna manipulation, disc height and T2 signal intensity increased significantly, suggesting potential improvement of the intradiscal environment.

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Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Effect of Herbal Medicine Treatment on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Lee KJ, Park YH, Hwang SB, et al.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2025)

2.4 points VAS Reduction
3,120 subjects Number of Participants

Herbal medicine treatment demonstrated effects equivalent to NSAIDs for pain reduction and functional improvement in chronic low back pain with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

View Source 2025
Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Effect of Herbal Medicine Treatment on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Lee KJ, Park YH, Hwang SB, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2025)
2.4 points VAS Reduction
3,120 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials analyzing the effect of herbal medicine alone or in combination on chronic low back pain were meta-analyzed. Pain, function, and quality of life indicators were compared between the herbal medicine group and the NSAID control group.

Key Conclusion

Herbal medicine treatment demonstrated effects equivalent to NSAIDs for pain reduction and functional improvement in chronic low back pain with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

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RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Taping and Acupuncture on Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Heo JW, Song KY, Min SH, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2022)

83% Treatment Satisfaction
120 subjects Number of Participants

Combined acupuncture and taping was more effective than acupuncture alone for pain and functional improvement in subacute low back pain.

View Source 2022
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Taping and Acupuncture on Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Heo JW, Song KY, Min SH, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2022)
83% Treatment Satisfaction
120 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

One hundred twenty subacute low back pain patients were assigned to an acupuncture + taping combined group or an acupuncture monotherapy group. NRS pain scores, functional disability index, and patient satisfaction were evaluated over 4 weeks.

Key Conclusion

Combined acupuncture and taping was more effective than acupuncture alone for pain and functional improvement in subacute low back pain.

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Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Safety and Efficacy of Chuna Manipulation in Elderly Low Back Pain Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Oh KM, Choi JH, Kwak YS, et al.

Pain Medicine (2024)

2.1% Adverse Event Incidence
200 subjects Number of Participants

Chuna manipulation can be safely applied in elderly low back pain patients with significant pain reduction effects regardless of osteoporosis comorbidity.

View Source 2024
Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Safety and Efficacy of Chuna Manipulation in Elderly Low Back Pain Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Oh KM, Choi JH, Kwak YS, et al. Pain Medicine (2024)
2.1% Adverse Event Incidence
200 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

The safety and efficacy of chuna manipulation were analyzed in 200 elderly chronic low back pain patients aged 65 and older. Adverse event incidence and pain changes were tracked, including subgroup analysis according to osteoporosis status.

Key Conclusion

Chuna manipulation can be safely applied in elderly low back pain patients with significant pain reduction effects regardless of osteoporosis comorbidity.

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RCT Lower Back Pain

Combined Effects of Acupuncture and Core Strengthening Exercise in Lumbar Instability Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Jung SW, Kim YH, Bae KH, et al.

Spine (2025)

85% Symptom Improvement Rate
110 subjects Number of Participants

The combination of acupuncture and core strengthening exercise was most effective for pain reduction and multifidus recovery in lumbar instability patients.

View Source 2025
RCT Lower Back Pain

Combined Effects of Acupuncture and Core Strengthening Exercise in Lumbar Instability Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Jung SW, Kim YH, Bae KH, et al. Spine (2025)
85% Symptom Improvement Rate
110 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

One hundred ten patients diagnosed with lumbar instability were assigned to an acupuncture + core exercise combined group, an acupuncture monotherapy group, or an exercise monotherapy group. Pain, functional disability, and multifidus muscle cross-sectional area were compared over 12 weeks.

Key Conclusion

The combination of acupuncture and core strengthening exercise was most effective for pain reduction and multifidus recovery in lumbar instability patients.

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Narrative Review Lower Back Pain

Integrated Korean and Western Medicine Treatment Guidelines for Spinal Stenosis: An Expert Consensus Study

Kwon SY, Ahn BM, Lee HW, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)

91% Expert Consensus Rate
60 experts Expert Participation

Integrated treatment guidelines for spinal stenosis were established through multidisciplinary expert consensus, and clinical application is anticipated.

View Source 2023
Narrative Review Lower Back Pain

Integrated Korean and Western Medicine Treatment Guidelines for Spinal Stenosis: An Expert Consensus Study

Kwon SY, Ahn BM, Lee HW, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)
91% Expert Consensus Rate
60 experts Expert Participation

Summary

A Delphi survey was conducted with 60 specialists including Korean medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons, and neurosurgeons to derive integrated Korean and Western medicine treatment guidelines for spinal stenosis. Diagnostic criteria, treatment algorithms, and surgery conversion criteria were agreed upon.

Key Conclusion

Integrated treatment guidelines for spinal stenosis were established through multidisciplinary expert consensus, and clinical application is anticipated.

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