The effect of integrative Korean medicine treatment on symptomatic lumbar facet joint cysts: A case series

Abstract

Objective: The optimal treatment for facet joint cysts (FJCs) has remained controversial. Despite a higher success rate than the conservative option, surgical treatments may pose risks of postoperative complications and comorbidities may make the surgical approach difficult. Thus, this study reports four cases of pain amelioration and resorption of FJCs through noninvasive integrative Korean Medicine treatment.

Methods: For intervention, four patients with symptomatic FJCs underwent integrative Korean medicine treatment with acupuncture, herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture, and Chuna manual therapy; after completion of the series of treatment sessions, patients were re-examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: Pain disappeared within 2 months for all four patients; the amelioration of pain was sustained for more than 6 months. Furthermore, the disappearance of FJCs was confirmed by MRI after a certain period from the time of pain disappearance.

Conclusions: This study reported the effectiveness of non-invasive, integrative Korean medicine treatment for patients with FJCs; this method shows promise as a conservative treatment option for patients with FJCs.

Keywords: Facet joint cyst; Integrative Korean medicine treatment; Lumbar; Zygapophyseal joint.