Overview
Hypertrophic spondylitis is a disease which pathologically based on degeneration of vertebrae and local aseptic inflammation, manifesting mainly as chronic pain. The location affected could be cervical vertebra, thoracic vertebra and lumbar vertebra, especially lumbar vertebra. It is commonly seen on middle aged and senior people. In TCM, it is included in "rheumatism involving the bone". When people get into middle age, the kidney qi begins to be deficient gradually. With invasion of pathogenic wind, cold or damp, or improper action, the tendons and meridians are injured, qi and blood are stagnant, and meridians are blocked. The pain is produced by the obstruction. With long duration, dampness gathers into phlegm, qi stagnation and blood stasis form. The meridians are obstructed by phlegm and blood stasis sticking together. The main principle of acupuncture therapy is expelling pathogenic wind, dispersing pathogenic cold, eliminating phlegm, removing blood stasis, unblocking meridians and alleviating pain.

Treatment
1. Jiaji Point (EX-B2)
Corresponding Jiaji points are selected according to the affected place. The treatment for cervical spondylopathy could be taken as reference. Patients should lie down in prone position when thoracic or lumbar vertebrae are treated. 28 gauge 1.5-2 cun filiform needles are used to puncture obliquely Jiaji points of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae with a 75°angle or 0.5 cun lateral to Jiaji points with a 450 angle. When the feeling of resentment is obtained, withdraw the needle a little bit and do manipulation. After arrival of qi, even method is used to extend the needling sensation around. The needles are retained for 10-15 minutes. The treatment is applied every other day, 10 times for one course.

2. Shenshu (BL 23)
The mixture of dexamethasone 5 ml and procaine 2 ml or compound angelica injection is injected into Shenshu (BL23) points after strict sterilization. Inject the drug in without feedback of blood, 0.5-1 ml each time for each point. The treatment is applied every day or every other day.

Note
Hypertrophic spondylitis is a kind of degenerative pathological change. Acupuncture can alleviate pain and symptoms. When Jiaji points are punctured, the depth and angle of the needle should be grasped. The manipulation of lifting and thrusting combined with twirling to induce conduction of meridian-qi is critical to get the curative effect.