Analgesic Effect of Tuina on Rat Models with Compression of the Dorsal Root Ganglion Pain

Tuina analgesia is widely used in clinical practice. Our research focuses on the mechanism of action of Tuina analgesia and investigate how Tuina achieve its analgesic effect. Achieving standardization in Trina is currently the most significant obstacle.

The effectiveness of Tuina is influenced by several factors, such as treatment area, type, intensity, and frequency. The current protocol is optimized in two aspects based on the earlier research. Firstly, the force and frequency are pushing and holding operations were standouts and controlled by force smashing glows.

Secondly, the results of imaging and animal behavior tests were integrated to assess the results of modeling. To establish the animal model, start by securing an anesthetized rat on a foam board, fastening its limbs and incisors using rubber bands. Wipe the prepared area with a 75%alcohol swab.

Next, use scissors to make a two to three centimeter incision through the skin, superficial fascia, and deep fascia layer by layer. Locate the anterior superior iliac spine, followed by the third and fourth spinous processes. Clamp the spinous process with toothed forceps, and lift it to allow the scissors to be close to the right side of the spinous process.

Cut the muscle attached to the right side of the spinous process. Then, bluntly dissect the muscle attached to the outer surface of the vertebral plate until resistance is felt. Similarly, bluntly dissect the muscle and fascia on the zygapophysial joint.

Use an L-shaped probe to locate the intervertebral foramen. Next, insert an L-shaped stainless steel rod into the fourth and fifth lumbar intervertebral foramen. Proceed to suture the muscle, fascia, and skin layer by layer using 3-0 sutures.

Place the rat in a thermostatic box until it wakes up, and observe the function of the rat's right hind limb to ensure normalcy. To standardize the Tuina therapy, first practice Tunia using the finger sleeve's feedback data, adjusting force to five newtons and frequency to two hertz. Next, perform Tuina on immobilized rats, maintaining consistent force and frequency.

Identify the acupoint by selecting the gastrocnemius muscle of the right hind limb at the junction of its two heads, approximately at BL57. Perform the Tuina by positioning the thumb vertically on the BL57 acupoint and moving in rhythmic small range rotary motions, exerting five newtons of pressure. After 17 days of Tuina therapy, a significant difference was observed in paw withdrawal thresholds between the CCD rats receiving Tuina therapy and the untreated CCD group.

The rats in the CCD group receiving Tuina therapy showed improvement in pain threshold from the beginning of treatment. Thermal pain thresholds differed significantly between the CCD group and the Tuina group from day 14. To conduct the Von Frey test, begin by placing the rats in a transparent tempered glass compartment on a metal wire grid stand at a height of 40 centimeters.

Next, measure the mechanical withdrawal threshold with Von Frey electronic fibers. Stimulate the rat's foot until it reacts noticeably, such as by lifting the leg or avoiding it. To assess the paw withdrawal latency or PWL using the Hargreaves method, focus the spotlight on the center of the rat's foot and press the Start button.

Monitor the rat for behaviors, such as foot retraction or paw licking, and press the Start button again to record the time. Perform the test on the same hind limb three consecutive times. After 17 days of Tuina therapy, a significant difference was observed in paw withdrawal thresholds between the CCD rats receiving Tuina therapy and the untreated CCD group.

The rats in the CCD group receiving Tuina therapy showed improvement in pain threshold from the beginning of treatment. Thermal pain thresholds differed significantly between the CCD group and the Tuina group from day 14.