Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of cervical headache treated with acupotomy.

Methods: There were 35 clinical patients who were diagnosed as cervical headache on the symptoms, signs and relied exams. The duration of treatment varied from 4 months to 15 years. The therapeutic effects were not satisfactory by the treatment of medicine, acupuncture and Physical therapy. Based on roentgenogram, the tender points or streak-code-like nodes were localized on the ducted cervical vertebrae, then the aseptic manipulation was applied. No.4 knife needle was inserted by the three-step insertion technique. When the needle touched hard tissues and elastic thing with the resistance sensation appearance under the needle tip, 2 to 4 cuts were given longitudinally and the needle was scraped twice transversely. If pain points were located on the occiput, transverse processes of cervical vertebrae and spinal processes, the needle could go deep to the bone surface and was scraped twice transversely. The method was applied on 1 to 3 tender points in each treatment, once a week. Massage was followed after operation according to the symptoms, including kneading, rolling, ejecting and plucking methods and cervical vertebra rotating manipulation.

Results: Of the 35 cases, after 1 to 6 treatments (the average was 3 treatments), 20 cases (57.14%) were cured (headache and pain in the occipital and neck region disappeared in 24 hours. Headache did not recur in two months); 15 cases (42,86%) were improved (headache and pain in the occipital and neck regions were reduced. The attacking duration became shorter or the cycle became longer).

By Yang Zhi