Overview and Comparison of Chinese and Western Medical Treatments for Osteoporosis.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can achieve similar effects to Western medicine in increasing bone mineral density, improving the destruction of bone micro-structure, inhibiting bone resorption, etc. However, there exist great differences between TCM and Western medicine in terms of theoretical basis and treatment methods. Therefore, to gain insights into their differences in treating osteoporosis (OP), we compared the disease name, etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical effectiveness to explore the potential benefits of combining the two approaches. Methods Overview The method of literature review is used in the study. We firstly use academic databases such as PubMed and CNKI to search relevant literature on the understanding of OP in TCM and Western medicine in the past 10 years, then exclude the literature that is not relevant to the study topic or does not meet the study purpose, and finally compare and summarize the findings, views and conclusions of the literature. Key Findings or Insights In the study, we find that the integrated approach of TCM and Western medicine can provide a gentler and more individualized treatment for patients with OP. By combining the conditioning means of Chinese herbs, compound prescription, acupuncture, moxibustion and Tuina can make up for the adverse reactions and side effects of Western medicine. Besides, TCM can make use of the clinical trials and animal experiments of Western medicine to prove the effectiveness of TCM theories and promote the clinical application. Practical Implications By exploring the differences between TCM and Western medicine and the potential benefits of their combination, this study can provide a theoretical basis for the individualized treatment of OP. Especially for the patients with postmenopausal OP, senile OP, long-term hormone use, hyperthyroidism and other secondary OP, this study can provide a more comprehensive rehabilitation guidance, prevent the recurrence of these diseases, and improve the quality of patients' life. Recommendations or Future Directions It is suggested that further clinical trials should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated treatment.