Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety Between Electronic Acupuncture and Dry Cupping Therapy in the Treatment of Neck Pain Due to Cervical Spondylosis

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Neck Pain; Cervical Spondylosis

• Registration Number: NCT06893185
• Lead Sponsor: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Brief Summary

Cervical spondylosis is one of the common causes of chronic neck pain. It can significantly affect the quality of life, lead to disabilities, and increase the economic burden on patients. Treatment mainly includes pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants or physical therapy. The condition tends to recur frequently; therefore, long-term use of medication can lead to unwanted effects on the digestive system, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

Dry cupping therapy is a non-pharmacological method that has been shown to be effective in pain management. Cupping therapy has the advantage of being applicable to patients who are afraid of needles and has a wide area of effect.

Given the limitations in evaluating treatment effectiveness and safety, along with the lack of published research discussing the analgesic effects of dry cupping for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis, the investigators conducted the study on pain reduction and safety of cupping therapy in patients with neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis.

Detailed Description

Patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis who have neck pain will be registered for this study. They will be treated with electroacupuncture or cupping therapy.

The intervention period is two weeks. Electroacupuncture will be performed five times a week while cupping therapy will be performed once every 3 days.

Data on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and side effects of electroacupuncture and cupping therapy will be recorded before the study and weekly for 2 weeks.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-18
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-18
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-25
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-20
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-24
• Study Start: 2025-05-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-07-31
• Study Completion: 2025-08-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 82

Inclusion Criteria

• Individuals between the ages of 20 and 60 years, outpatient treatment.
• Individuals diagnosed with cervical spondylosis.
• Individuals report pain intensity between 3 and 8 according to on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on the screening visit day.
• Experiencing neck pain for no longer than four weeks.
• Individuals who volunteered to participate in the study and signed a consent form.

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients diagnosed with acute or chronic neck pain due to specific causes or with root compression syndrome, spinal cord compression syndrome, or vertebral artery syndrome.
• Patients loss of normal cervical curvature or deformity.
• Individuals with a history of neck trauma, cervical vertebra fracture, or cervical spine surgery, congenital spinal abnormalities, systemic bone and joint diseases.
• Patients have undergone cupping therapy, plastering, or drug inhalation within one week prior to participating in the study.
• Patients used of medications that could affect research outcomes within one week: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, traditional medicines for treating neck pain.
• Patients suffer from a mental illness or lacks consciousness.
• Patients have a pacemaker, or any metal devices such as screws or plates.
• Patients currently using anticoagulant medications or has a bleeding disorder.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
The change of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)	Assessments were conducted before intervention and after each intervention week throughout the two weeks (Week 0, Week 1, Week 2)	Symptom scores will be assessed based on a visual analogue scale (VAS). It usually consists of a 10 cm line anchored at each end by descriptors. Patients will be classified into 1 of 4 groups (no pain (0 cm), mild pain (1-3 cm), moderate pain (4-7 cm), severe pain (8-10 cm)).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Proportion of intervention-related adverse events	Assessments were conducted after each intervention week throughout the two weeks.	While dry cupping therapy and electroacupuncture is generally considered safe, some patients may experience minor side effects at the application site. These can include ecchymosis or burns. Rarely, more serious complications like dizziness, headaches, and fatigue may occur. The study will closely monitor and document any unexpected adverse events associated with the procedure.
Active range of motion of the cervical spine	Assessments were conducted before intervention and after each intervention week throughout the two weeks (Week 0, Week 1, Week 2)	Active range of motion is measured using a goniometer. During measurement, the patient sits upright with hips and knees flexed at 90 degrees, both feet flat on the floor, and arms relaxed alongside the body. Cervical spine movements include flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation.