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NCT Number: NCT06893185

Cupping Therapy for Neck Pain in Cervical Spondylosis

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Bone Diseases Cervical Spondylosis Musculoskeletal Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Spinal Diseases Spondylosis

Age range

20 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

Dry cupping therapy

Other

Dry cupping therapy will perform on the skin areas containing the EX-B2, A-shi, and GB21 acupuncture points every 3 days for 2 weeks.

electroacupuncture

Other

Electroacupuncture therapy will be performed five times a week for 2 weeks. The acupoints are the Huatuojiaji (EX-B2), A-shi, and Jianjing (GB21).

Primary outcomes

  1. The change of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Time frame: 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 outcomes

  1. Proportion of intervention-related adverse events

    Time frame: 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.

  2. Active range of motion of the cervical spine

    Time frame: 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.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Phuong Ngoc Ha Dang

CONTACT

[email protected]

+84961964963

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy in Managing Neck Pain and Improving Cervical Mobility in Cervical Spondylosis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 25, 2025
Registry last updated
May 29, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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