Short Review on “A Case Report of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Improved with Korean Medicine Treatment Focused on Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture”

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative spinal disorder that can lead to significant neurological impairments, including pain, motor dysfunction, and sensory loss. Conventional treatments for CSM range from conservative management to surgical interventions. However, Korean medicine, particularly bee venom pharmacopuncture, has shown promising therapeutic effects in managing CSM-related symptoms. The case report by Ryu Hwayeon provides valuable clinical insights into the potential benefits of this integrative approach.

The study detailed the treatment of a 56-year-old male patient diagnosed with CSM, who presented with neck pain, upper extremity numbness, and motor dysfunction. The treatment protocol included acupuncture, herbal medicine, and bee venom pharmacopuncture administered over 13 sessions. The therapeutic outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, and Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI). 

The results demonstrated: 

• A significant reduction in pain (VAS score from 9 to 1)
• Improved motor function and sensory recovery in the upper extremities
• Increased blood circulation in the affected area, confirmed through DITI 

These findings suggest that Korean medicine, particularly bee venom pharmacopuncture, can be an effective non-surgical approach for managing CSM symptoms.

The case report highlights the potential of bee venom pharmacopuncture as an alternative or complementary therapy for CSM. The mechanism of action is attributed to bee venom’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which may help alleviate spinal cord compression-induced symptoms. Future studies should focus on larger clinical trials and comparative studies to validate these findings and establish standardized treatment protocols [1-19].

This case report underscores the promising role of Korean medicine, especially bee venom pharmacopuncture, in improving the symptoms of CSM. While further research is necessary, this study provides preliminary evidence supporting its clinical application as a conservative treatment option.

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