3.6.2. TEA + Usual Conventional Therapy vs. Usual Conventional Therapy

The level of evidence and recommendations were derived based on seven RCTs [160–166] that observed the combined effect of TEA and conventional treatment in terms of pain, function, and overall symptom improvement for LHIVD

As a result of the meta-analysis, the combination of TEA and conventional treatments, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traction treatment, was more effective in improving the overall symptoms (RR: 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.21, *p* < 0.001), pain (MD, −2.00, 95% CI: –2.46–−1.54, *p* < 0.001), and function (ODI: MD, 21.07, 95% CI: 27.18–−14.96, *p* < 0.001; JOA: MD, 2.37, 95% CI: 0.78–3.96, *p* < 0.001) compared to usual conventional therapy. However, in the area of overall symptom improvement, heterogeneity (I2 = 80%) between studies was observed, and the level of evidence was lowered by one level due to inconsistency.

In conclusion, TEA in combination with conventional treatment should be considered for improving the overall symptoms of LHIVD (B/Moderate).
