초음파 유도하 침도 및 약침 치료로 개선된 경추 신경근 병증 1례 = A Case of Cervical Radiculopathy Improved by Ultrasound-Guided Acupotomy and Pharmacopuncture

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Objectives: This study aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic value of ultrasound and the therapeutic effects of ultrasound-guided Acupotomy and Pharmacopuncture in treating cervical radiculopathy with associated shoulder pain, a condition severe enough to warrant surgical consideration.


Methods: A 48-year-old female with cervical radiculopathy (C5-C6) and shoulder pain was treated at Esbon Korean Medicine Clinic from October to November 2024. Ultrasound guided Acupotomy was administered to address fibrotic adhesions, and Pharmacopuncture (5% dextrose) was injected near the C5 and C6 nerve roots, suprascapular nerve, axillary nerve, and shoulder joint capsule. Pain severity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and shoulder range of motion (ROM) was evaluated for abduction, flexion, and extension.


Results: After 15 sessions, the patient’s active shoulder abduction improved from 30° to 170°, and flexion increased from 30° to 170°. Passive abduction also normalized. Pain resolved completely, with the NRS score decreasing from 9 to 0, and the SPADI score improving from 78.5% to 27.7%. No adverse effects were observed during treatment.


Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound-guided interventions in treating cervical radiculopathy and associated shoulder pain. Ultrasound guidance enhanced procedural accuracy, minimized risks, and improved clinical outcomes. This report suggests that ultrasound-guided Acupotomy and Pharmacopuncture can be effective non-surgical options for managing severe cervical radiculopathy.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Objectives: This study aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic value of ultrasound and the therapeutic effects of ultrasound-guided Acupotomy and Pharmacopuncture in treating cervical radiculopathy with associated shoulder pain, a condition severe enough to warrant surgical consideration.




Methods: A 48-year-old female with cervical radiculopathy (C5-C6) and shoulder pain was treated at Esbon Korean Medicine Clinic from October to November 2024. Ultrasound guided Acupotomy was administered to address fibrotic adhesions, and Pharmacopuncture (5% dextrose) was injected near the C5 and C6 nerve roots, suprascapular nerve, axillary nerve, and shoulder joint capsule. Pain severity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and shoulder range of motion (ROM) was evaluated for abduction, flexion, and extension.




Results: After 15 sessions, the patient’s active shoulder abduction improved from 30° to 170°, and flexion increased from 30° to 170°. Passive abduction also normalized. Pain resolved completely, with the NRS score decreasing from 9 to 0, and the SPADI score improving from 78.5% to 27.7%. No adverse effects were observed during treatment.




Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound-guided interventions in treating cervical radiculopathy and associated shoulder pain. Ultrasound guidance enhanced procedural accuracy, minimized risks, and improved clinical outcomes. This report suggests that ultrasound-guided Acupotomy and Pharmacopuncture can be effective non-surgical options for managing severe cervical radiculopathy.