The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of auricular acupressure in improving post-cervical spine surgery pain and heart rate variability in patients.

This study adopts a quasi-experimental research design, where a medical center in northern Taiwan served as the enrollment location. Both the experimental group and the control group received standard ward care. The experimental group commenced auricular acupressure intervention post-surgery. Questionnaire assessments and heart rate variability measurements were conducted in the experimental group on the first, second, third, and fourth days before discharge. The control group did not receive auricular acupressure and underwent only questionnaire assessments and heart rate variability testing. Measurement tools included the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Heart Master wrist-worn physiological monitor.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Those who are over 20 years old and have undergone cervical spine surgery.
2. Those who have clear consciousness and can communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
3. Patients who have undergone cervical spine surgery and have no complications (such as wound infection or postoperative limb mobility impairment) disability).
4. Those who are willing to cooperate with ear acupuncture and heart rate variability testing.
5. Those who agree to participate in the research and sign the consent form.
6. The skin of the auricle is intact and has no deformation, defects or allergies.-

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those who use self-controlled pain control (PCA) after surgery.
2. Those diagnosed with mental illness or cognitive impairment.
3. Those who are transferred to the intensive care unit after surgery.
4. Those who use breathing aids.
5. Those with major chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease or cancer.
6. Those who develop delirium after surgery.