Comparison of Acupuncture and Lumbar Traction for Lumbar Disc Herniation and Subsequent Risk of Lumbar Fusion or Discectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is commonly treated with conservative therapies, but comparative evidence on acupuncture versus lumbar traction and subsequent surgery is limited. We examined whether acupuncture was associated with lower 5-year risks of discectomy or spinal fusion than traction among adults with LDH.