Effect of Thread-Embedding Acupuncture at EX-B2 Acupoint on Pain Intensity and Quality of Life in Chronic Low Back Pain

• In the intervention group, thread-embedding acupuncture is performed using needles containing polydioxanone (PDO) threads at the bilateral lumbar EX-B2 acupuncture points (12.5 mm lateral to the spinous process).
• In the control group, the needle is only touched to the skin at the acupuncture point area without skin penetration.
• The selection of the EX-B2 level is based on the vertebral segment from L1 to L5 that best corresponds to the subject's dominant pain location, with reference to dermatome and myotome mapping as well as the concept of lumbar segmental innervation. If available, supporting examination results (e.g., MRI or CT scan) indicating abnormalities at a specific segment are used as additional references. When more than one segment is considered possible, the midpoint level is selected.
• After completion of the study, participants in the sham thread-embedding acupuncture group are allowed to receive actual thread-embedding acupuncture therapy for chronic low back pain.

Outcome Definitions

• Bothersome pain episodes: The number of days in the past 7 days during which the subject experienced bothersome low back pain.

Bothersome low back pain is defined as pain that is sufficiently significant to interfere with daily activities, rest, concentration, or overall comfort. Mild pain or pain that does not interfere with activities is not counted.

• Frequency of routine analgesic use: The number of days in the past 7 days during which the subject consumed routine analgesic medication (taken as prescribed by a physician).

Routine analgesics may include primary analgesics (paracetamol and/or opioids) and/or adjuvant analgesics (muscle relaxants, antiepileptics, antidepressants, antispasmodics).

• Frequency of additional (rescue) analgesic use: The number of days in the past 7 days during which the subject consumed additional (as-needed) analgesic medication when pain remained bothersome.

Additional analgesics may include primary analgesics (paracetamol and/or opioids) and/or adjuvant analgesics (muscle relaxants, antiepileptics, antidepressants, antispasmodics).

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female participants aged ≥18 years
• Subjects with low back pain lasting for at least 3 months (>12 weeks)
• Maximum low back pain intensity within the past 2 weeks of ≥3 on a 0-10 scale, measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) or the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale
• Willing to participate in the study until completion and able to provide written informed consent
• Receiving pharmacological therapy with a stable analgesic regimen for at least the past 2 weeks, which may include non-opioid analgesics (paracetamol), opioid analgesics (codeine, tramadol, morphine), antidepressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine), anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin, carbamazepine), and/or muscle relaxants (eperisone, baclofen)

Exclusion criteria

• History of hypersensitivity to acupuncture or thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA), including allergy to stainless steel or polydioxanone threads
• History of keloid formation or skin disorders at the planned TEA insertion sites in the low back area
• Presence of specific spinal pathology, including fracture, tumor, infection, or severe lumbar spinal stenosis (Schizas grade C or D) requiring surgical intervention
• Structural spinal abnormalities (scoliosis or kyphosis) detected on physical examination
• History of spinal surgery or current indication for spinal surgery due to severe neurological deficits
• Presence of other chronic pain syndromes (fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, neuropathic pain syndrome, arthritis, chronic pelvic pain, migraine, or chronic tension-type headache) or severe comorbidities (stroke with sensory deficits, Parkinson's disease, end-stage chronic kidney disease, or terminal heart failure) that may affect pain assessment
• Presence of cardiac disease, hematologic disorders, or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Regular use of systemic steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, or topical analgesics
• Body mass index (BMI) <18 kg/m²
• Receive other therapies for low back pain, including dry needling, neuromuscular taping, or acupuncture within the past 2 weeks, or thread-embedding acupuncture within the past 6 months
• Receive spinal interventional therapy (surgery or injection) within the past 3 months, or stem cell therapy for chronic low back pain within the past 12 months
• Cognitive impairment or other neurological disorders, severe psychiatric or psychological conditions, or a history of alcohol or substance abuse
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning to become pregnant within the next 6 months