Exploring the Distribution Patterns and Infrared Characteristics of Force-sensitive Acupoints in Different Lumbar Nerve Segments in Patients With LDH Based on "Press Quickly" Theory

Exploring the Distribution Patterns and Infrared Characteristics of Force-sensitive Acupoints in Different Lumbar Nerve Segments in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation Based on "Press Quickly" Theory

Utilizing the "responsive acupoint palpation" technique and infrared thermography, we investigated the distribution patterns of pressure-sensitive acupoints across different lumbar spinal segments in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methodology: The Finger TPS tactile pressure measurement system was employed to conduct sensitivity examinations on the acupoints of the L1~L5 lumbar spine in 80 LDH patients (Group 1) and 80 healthy individuals (Group 2), applying a standardized force of 60N. When a sensation of comfort was elicited, the points were marked on a human cutaneous nerve segment map. We then utilized infrared thermography to collect and compare the temperature differences of the top 10 most frequently responsive acupoint areas in the experimental group against those in the control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age range of 18 to 65 years, regardless of gender.
• Radiological confirmation of central type L4~L5 intervertebral disc herniation.
• Meeting the diagnostic criteria for lumbar disc herniation, primarily manifesting as lower back pain, radicular pain, and numbness or weakness in the lower limbs, with imaging findings consistent with neurological localization.
• Patients in the non-acute phase of mild to moderate pain and functional impairment (onset more than 2 weeks ago), with a visual analog scale (VAS) score greater than 4 points and a Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score less than 15 points.
• No consumption of analgesics, neurotrophic drugs, or sedatives, and no systemic treatment in the past week.
• Willing participants in the study who have signed an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concomitant internist and gynecological diseases that can cause lower back pain, such as nephritis, urinary tract stones, gynecological inflammations, and uterine pathologies.
• Individuals with severe primary diseases of the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, liver, kidney, etc.
• Patients with neurosis or psychiatric disorders, or those with a history of cranial trauma or coma.
• Patients with primary or ankylosing sciatica.
• Individuals with concomitant lumbar spondylolisthesis.
• Patients with lumbar spine tumors or tuberculosis.
• Individuals with consciousness disorders, severe impairments in vision, hearing, or speech, or any other condition that prevents the completion of a health assessment.