Clinical and paraclinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of electroacupuncture combined with 2% Lidocaine iontophoresis in patients with sciatica at Kien An Hospital in 2024 – 2025

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with sciatica at the Department of Traditional Medicine, Kien An Hospital, from October 2024 to May 2025. To evaluate the treatment outcomes of electroacupuncture combined with 2% lidocaine iontophoresis in these patients. Subjects and methods: A prospective clinical intervention study without a control group was conducted on 70 patients diagnosed with sciatica at Kien An Hospital during 2024–2025. Results: After 14 days of treatment, the average VAS score decreased from 6,08±0,74 to 1,75±1,02 (p < 0.05). The Lasègue angle increased from 42,67º ± 5,86 to 70,58º ± 6,80 (p < 0.05), and the Schober index increased from 12,53±0,58 cm to 13,76±0,39 cm (p < 0.05). The impact on daily activities decreased from 59,93±12,78% to 27,77±9,91% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Electroacupuncture combined with 2% lidocaine iontophoresis significantly reduced pain and improved functional status in patients with sciatica.