Objective: The purpose of the study is to observe the clinical results achieved by the treatment of cervical hernia combining TCM manipulative methods with acupuncture, injection therapy on acupoints and a particular Chinese apparatus for elongation of the cervical tract.

Methods: In the period January 1998-September 1999, 37 patients (20 females and 17 males) ranging in age between 42 and 75 years old, were treated for cervical hernia occurred in C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7 tracts, with a TCM combined therapeutic method, as follows: (l) Acupuncture: Ashi points on the neck and the affected upper limb, Fengchi (GB 20) and Houxi (SI 3), etc; (2) Preliminary Tuina: Anrou-stationary circular pressing on several acupoints Hegu GI4), Luozhen (EX), Waiguan (TE 5), etc., Gun-rolling, Na-holding, etc; (3) Application of the Chinese "cervical-extension adjustable apparatus"; (4) Closing Tuina; (5) Injection therapy of a specific Homeopathic medicine on Huatuo points of the cervical region, corresponding to the level of herniation of the intervertebral disck.

Results: 22 Patients (59.4) Markedly improved; 12 patients (32.4) improved, 3 patients (8.2) ineffective, with the effective rate 91.8.

Conclusion: As cervical herniation, especially the post-injury one, is a very dangerous condition generally treated with surgery in the western countries, the above combined procedure (safe, simple and effective) is suitable to be applied in the initial stage of the disease, eventually leaving to the surgeon only the very severe, ineffective cases.

By Rinaldi R, Siragusa P, Liguori A.