Abstract
RATIONALE: Diagnosing the precise etiology of low back pain (LBP) is crucial for facilitating speedy recovery in patients. Maigne's syndrome (MS), commonly referred to as thoracolumbar junction syndrome, is a condition characterized by pain resulting from nerve entrapment, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study presents a series of six case reports wherein patients diagnosed with MS received acupuncture treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS: Six individuals with LBP were included in the study, and all were diagnosed with MS. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis was confirmed in all six patients through pinch-roll and thoracic vertebrae compression tests, indicating the presence of thoracolumbar junction syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: Acupuncture treatment was administered to all patients, primarily targeting the T11-L2 facet joints, with additional acupoints selected based on the specific nerve entrapment of MS including the superior cluneal, subcostal, and iliohypogastric nerves. OUTCOMES: Following acupuncture therapy, all patients reported improvements in their LBP symptoms, while four patients also exhibited amelioration in their thoracic vertebrae compression test results. LESSONS: These findings underscore the significance of promptly diagnosing the underlying cause of LBP and suggest that acupuncture may be an effective approach in alleviating MS-related pain.