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

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY AT HO CHI MINH CITY · Mar 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two alternative treatments for neck pain caused by a condition called cervical spondylosis, which is a common source of chronic neck discomfort. The researchers want to compare the effectiveness and safety of electronic acupuncture and dry cupping therapy. Cervical spondylosis can significantly impact daily life, and while there are traditional medications available, they can lead to unwanted side effects if used long-term. Cupping therapy is a needle-free option that has shown promise in relieving pain and may be beneficial for those who prefer to avoid needles.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be between the ages of 20 and 60 and have been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis, experiencing pain for no longer than four weeks. Participants should have a moderate level of pain, rated between 3 and 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. Those with specific medical conditions or recent treatments that could affect their participation will not be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to receive either electronic acupuncture or dry cupping therapy, and the researchers will monitor your progress to see how well the treatments help with your neck pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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.