Utilization of Acupuncture-moxibustion techniques for sciatica: A Multicenter descriptive study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Objective: Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life. Acupuncture-moxibustion is widely used in traditional medicine for sciatica, yet clinical utilization patterns remain insufficiently described. This study aimed to characterize the utilization of acupuncture-moxibustion techniques for sciatica in routine clinical settings. 

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at three traditional medicine centers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from January to June 2024. Using random sampling, 614 medical records from patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with sciatica and receiving at least one acupuncture-moxibustion technique were included. Acupuncture-moxibustion techniques and adjunctive therapies from traditional and Western medicine were recorded. Descriptive statistics summarized treatment patterns, and network visualization was used to illustrate common co-prescription approaches.

Results: Five acupuncture-moxibustion techniques were identified. Electroacupuncture (EA) was most frequently used (69.7%), followed by thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA) (29.5%). Other techniques, filiform needle acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupoint injection therapy, were less common (0.5%-12.7%). Most cases used a single acupuncture-moxibustion technique (86.8%), while combined techniques accounted for 13.2%, predominantly EA plus acupoint injection therapy. Adjunctive therapies were prescribed in 91.9% of cases, most often physiotherapy and herbal medicine.

Conclusion: EA and TEA were most commonly used, while combined techniques were rare; however, integration with adjunctive therapies was frequent, reflecting a multimodal approach to sciatica care. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these integrative strategies to guide clinical practice and policy.

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