International Journal of Medicine and Data

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Miao medicine Ma Sang Gou Bang Scraping oil for cold-damp chronic low back muscle strain, providing evidence for the clinical promotion of this characteristic therapy. Methods Sixty patients with chronic lumbar muscle strain of cold dampness type were selected and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group. The treatment group received Gua therapy using Miao medicine Ma Sang Gou Bang Scraping oil，while the control group used conventional scraping oil. The operation method and treatment course were identical for both groups, with three sessions administered at five-day intervals. Follow-up was conducted one month after the completion of the treatment course. Visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), symptom scores, sign scores, clinical efficacy, and efficacy stability rate were compared between groups. Results Post-treatment, all scores in both groups were significantly lower than baseline (P < 0.05). After three treatment sessions, no significant differences were observed between the groups (P > 0.05). At one-month follow-up, the treatment group had lower VAS [1.00 (0.00, 1.00) vs 1.00 (1.00, 2.00)], ODI [3.00 (2.00, 3.25) vs 3.00 (3.00, 5.00)], and symptom scores [2.00 (1.00, 2.25) vs 2.00 (1.75, 5.00)] compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate (100.0% vs 90.0%) and efficacy stability rate (90.0% vs 66.7%) were also higher in the treatment group (P < 0.05). No significant adverse reactions occurred in either group. Conclusion Miao medicine Ma Sang Gou Bang Scraping oil is effective for cold-damp chronic low back muscle strain, with superior long-term efficacy compared to conventional Gua oil and a high safety profile, making it suitable for promotion in primary healthcare settings.

Miao medicine; Ma Sang Gou Bang Scraping oil; Chronic low back muscle strain; Cold-damp type; Randomized controlled trial