Vacuum Cupping for Chronic Neck and Back Pain

Vacuum Cupping for Chronic Neck and Back Pain - a Feasibility Study

Small clinical pilot studies have shown that vacuum massage-related techniques such as traditional dry cupping can reduce musculoskeletal pain such as back and neck pain. At the same time, little is yet known about the potential mechanisms of action of these therapies. A vacuum pump induces a massaging effect of the skin including the deeper tissue layers. The resulting massage technique corresponds to a kind of tissue manipulation similar to dry cupping. In this procedure, suction force and air flow can be individually adjusted. This is an advantage that can be used for patients with varying degrees of sensitivity or who are preloaded by patients with varying degrees of sensitivity or a history of pain. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of the study design.

Inclusion Criteria:

• chronic neck or back pain
• mean pain intensity ≥ 40 mm VAS

Exclusion Criteria:

• neurological symptoms or neuropathic pain
• vertebral column surgery less than 12 months prior to the study
• TENS, acupuncture, osteopathy, or a chiropractic maneuvre or infiltration at the area within 4 weeks prior to the inclusion in the study
• congenital deformation of the spine