Conventional Acupuncture Combined With Laser Acupuncture for the Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background

Lumbar spondylolisthesis (LS) is the anterior displacement of one lumbar vertebra over another. Acupuncture is increasingly used for musculoskeletal pain and may have potential in LS management.

Case

A 78-year-old man with grade II L4–L5 spondylolisthesis and severe facet joint arthritis presented with 2 months of low back pain, restricted lumbar mobility, right sciatic pain, and difficulty walking. He received 10 sessions of conventional acupuncture combined with laser acupuncture twice weekly. Pain, lumbar mobility, and walking ability were assessed, and a follow-up X-ray was performed after the 10 sessions.

Results

After 10 sessions, the X-ray showed improvement from grade II to grade I spondylolisthesis. Low back pain decreased, walking ability improved, and daily functional limitations were markedly reduced. At 1-month follow-up, the patient reported continued improvement and was advised to perform home exercises.

Conclusion

Conventional acupuncture combined with laser acupuncture was associated with radiographic and clinical improvement in this patient with LS. Larger controlled studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Keywords

acupuncture lumbar spondylolisthesis lumbar instability sciatica

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