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Constipation is a frequent complication following thoracolumbar compression fractures, affecting more than 70% of patients. Prolonged bed rest, pain-related stress, and reduced mobility all contribute to impaired bowel function, which can delay recovery and reduce quality of life. Conventional approaches may be limited in this population, prompting interest in adjunctive traditional Chinese medicine strategies.
This randomised controlled study investigated a traditional Chinese medicine acupoint application technique in 42 patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures who developed constipation. Researchers applied a paste made from Chinese medicinal herbs — including Rheum officinale — to specific acupoints: Tianshu (Stomach 25), Daheng (Spleen 15), Zusanli (Stomach 36), Shangjuxu (Stomach 37), and Zhigou (Triple Energiser 6). Treatment was administered once daily for six hours per session over a two-week course. Outcomes were measured using time to first defecation, validated constipation symptom and quality-of-life scales, and pain scores.
After two weeks, both the experimental and control groups showed improvement in constipation. However, all efficacy indicators favoured the acupoint application group in a statistically significant manner. No serious adverse reactions were reported in either group. The authors acknowledge the study’s relatively small sample size and single-centre design as limitations, and they plan larger multi-centre trials to explore underlying mechanisms.
Conclusion: This small randomised trial suggests that topical herbal acupoint application may safely and meaningfully improve constipation in thoracolumbar fracture patients, though larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Source: Qiu H, Huang Y, Luo D and colleagues. Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 42044019) · doi:10.3791/70174
