Neck PainNCT06893185
Cupping Therapy for Neck Pain in Cervical Spondylosis
A study testing Dry cupping therapy and Electroacupuncture in people with Neck Pain and Cervical Spondylosis, run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Cervical Spondylosis
- What is being tested?
- Dry cupping therapy and Electroacupuncture
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 82 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2025to 31 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy in Managing Neck Pain and Improving Cervical Mobility in Cervical Spondylosis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
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.
Read the 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.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Cervical Spondylosis
- Being tested
- Dry cupping therapy, Electroacupuncture
- Keywords
- Neck Pain, Cupping therapy, Cervical spondylosis
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Spondylosis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dry cupping therapyOther
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.
ElectroacupunctureOther
Electroacupuncture therapy will be performed five times a week for 2 weeks. The acupoints are the Huatuojiaji (EX-B2), A-shi, and Jianjing (GB21).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Dry cupping Group | Experimental | Dry cupping therapy every 3 days for a total of two weeks (5 sessions) Receives: Other: Dry cupping therapy |
| Electroacupuncture Group | Active comparator | Electroacupuncture five times a week for a total of two weeks (10 sessions) Receives: Other: Electroacupuncture |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The change of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
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)).
Measured: Assessments were conducted before intervention and after each intervention week throughout the two weeks (Week 0, Week 1, Week 2)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Proportion of intervention-related adverse events
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.
Measured: Assessments were conducted after each intervention week throughout the two weeks.
Active range of motion of the cervical spine
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.
Measured: Assessments were conducted before intervention and after each intervention week throughout the two weeks (Week 0, Week 1, Week 2)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Mar 2025
- Study start1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 82 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dang Ngoc Ha Phuong, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06893185
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 247/2024/HD-DHYD
- Status last verified
- Apr 2025
- First submitted
- 18 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 29 May 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Kim S, Kim E, Jung G, Lee S, Kim JG. The hemodynamic changes during cupping therapy monitored by using an optical sensor embedded cup. J Biophotonics. 2019 May;12(5):e201800286. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201800286. Epub 2019 Jan 28.
PubMed 30604505Gao C, Wang M, He L, He Y, Li T. Alternations of hemodynamic parameters during Chinese cupping therapy assessed by an embedded near-infrared spectroscopy monitor. Biomed Opt Express. 2018 Dec 12;10(1):196-203. doi: 10.1364/BOE.10.000196. eCollection 2019 Jan 1.
PubMed 30775093Kolenkiewicz M, Wlodarczyk A, Wojtkiewicz J. Diagnosis and Incidence of Spondylosis and Cervical Disc Disorders in the University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, in Years 2011-2015. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Mar 25;2018:5643839. doi: 10.1155/2018/5643839. eCollection 2018.
PubMed 29770333Peng AT, Behar S, Yue SJ. Long-term therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture for chronic neck and shoulder pain--a double blind study. Acupunct Electrother Res. 1987;12(1):37-44. doi: 10.3727/036012987816358922.
PubMed 2883835Zhang SP, Chiu TT, Chiu SN. Long-term efficacy of electroacupuncture for chronic neck pain: a randomised controlled trial. Hong Kong Med J. 2013 Dec;19 Suppl 9:36-9.
PubMed 24473589Chi LM, Lin LM, Chen CL, Wang SF, Lai HL, Peng TC. The Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy on Relieving Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:7358918. doi: 10.1155/2016/7358918. Epub 2016 Mar 17.
PubMed 27073404Kim S, Lee SH, Kim MR, Kim EJ, Hwang DS, Lee J, Shin JS, Ha IH, Lee YJ. Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2018 Nov 5;8(11):e021070. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021070.
PubMed 30397006Haldeman S, Carroll L, Cassidy JD. Findings from the bone and joint decade 2000 to 2010 task force on neck pain and its associated disorders. J Occup Environ Med. 2010 Apr;52(4):424-7. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181d44f3b.
PubMed 20357682
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 May 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy in Managing Neck Pain and Improving Cervical Mobility in Cervical Spondylosis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06893185
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 247/2024/HD-DHYD
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Cervical Spondylosis
- Keywords
- Neck Pain, Cupping therapy, Cervical spondylosis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 82 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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 design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Dry cupping Group | Experimental | Other: Dry cupping therapyDry cupping therapy every 3 days for a total of two weeks (5 sessions) |
| Electroacupuncture Group | Active comparator | Other: ElectroacupunctureElectroacupuncture five times a week for a total of two weeks (10 sessions) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Dry cupping therapyDry cupping therapy will perform on the skin areas containing the EX-B2, A-shi, and GB21 acupuncture points every 3 days for 2 weeks. | Other | Dry cupping Group |
| ElectroacupunctureElectroacupuncture therapy will be performed five times a week for 2 weeks. The acupoints are the Huatuojiaji (EX-B2), A-shi, and Jianjing (GB21). | Other | Electroacupuncture Group |
Primary outcome
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)).
2 secondary outcomes
Proportion of intervention-related adverse events
Time frame: Assessments were conducted after each intervention week throughout the two weeks.
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)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 May 2025.
- Background: PubMed 30604505Kim S, Kim E, Jung G, Lee S, Kim JG. The hemodynamic changes during cupping therapy monitored by using an optical sensor embedded cup. J Biophotonics. 2019 May;12(5):e201800286. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201800286. Epub 2019 Jan 28.
- Background: PubMed 30775093Gao C, Wang M, He L, He Y, Li T. Alternations of hemodynamic parameters during Chinese cupping therapy assessed by an embedded near-infrared spectroscopy monitor. Biomed Opt Express. 2018 Dec 12;10(1):196-203. doi: 10.1364/BOE.10.000196. eCollection 2019 Jan 1.
- Background: PubMed 29770333Kolenkiewicz M, Wlodarczyk A, Wojtkiewicz J. Diagnosis and Incidence of Spondylosis and Cervical Disc Disorders in the University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, in Years 2011-2015. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Mar 25;2018:5643839. doi: 10.1155/2018/5643839. eCollection 2018.
- Background: PubMed 2883835Peng AT, Behar S, Yue SJ. Long-term therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture for chronic neck and shoulder pain--a double blind study. Acupunct Electrother Res. 1987;12(1):37-44. doi: 10.3727/036012987816358922.
- Background: PubMed 24473589Zhang SP, Chiu TT, Chiu SN. Long-term efficacy of electroacupuncture for chronic neck pain: a randomised controlled trial. Hong Kong Med J. 2013 Dec;19 Suppl 9:36-9.
- Background: PubMed 27073404Chi LM, Lin LM, Chen CL, Wang SF, Lai HL, Peng TC. The Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy on Relieving Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:7358918. doi: 10.1155/2016/7358918. Epub 2016 Mar 17.
- Background: PubMed 30397006Kim S, Lee SH, Kim MR, Kim EJ, Hwang DS, Lee J, Shin JS, Ha IH, Lee YJ. Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2018 Nov 5;8(11):e021070. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021070.
- Background: PubMed 20357682Haldeman S, Carroll L, Cassidy JD. Findings from the bone and joint decade 2000 to 2010 task force on neck pain and its associated disorders. J Occup Environ Med. 2010 Apr;52(4):424-7. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181d44f3b.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Dry cupping therapy and Electroacupuncture in people with Neck Pain and Cervical Spondylosis, run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 May 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Phuong Ngoc Ha Dang (+84961964963, dangphuong1607@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
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)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06893185, which also lists 8 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 May 2025.