Effect of Acupuncture on Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Insomnia

Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Comorbid Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Insomnia

The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture among patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain and insomnia, compared with sham acupuncture.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 to 75 years old;
2. Meet the diagnostic criteria for both chronic nonspecific neck pain and chronic insomnia;
3. The patient's average 24-hour overall neck pain intensity score on the NRS is ≥3;
4. The patient's Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score is ≥10;
5. The patient is willing to participate in the study and has signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Specific neck pain with a clear etiology, including trauma, tumor, connective tissue disease, rheumatic disease, metabolic and endocrine disorders, neuropathy, spinal cord disease, fracture, or vertebral misalignment;
2. Positive Spurling test, neck flexion test, upper limb traction test, or foraminal distraction test. Neck pain accompanied by radiating pain in the upper limbs or radicular compression symptoms, or acute exacerbation of neck pain;
3. Neck pain accompanied by sensory disturbances or other neurological symptoms, or ankylosis of the facet joints;
4. Previous history of cervical spine surgery;
5. Previous history of head and neck trauma, such as whiplash injury;
6. Insomnia caused by medications (e.g., caffeine, corticosteroids), withdrawal reactions, or other underlying conditions (e.g., hyperthyroidism, severe anxiety/depressive disorders);
7. Long-term use of analgesics, muscle relaxants, or hormones, or presence of other pain more severe than neck pain;
8. Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea syndrome, or shift workers;
9. Presence of psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression), cognitive impairment, or language disorders;
10. Patients with drug dependency;
11. Received acupuncture treatment within the past month;
12. Severe cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, hematologic, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, poor general nutritional status, malignancy, or patients in the terminal stage of severe illness;
13. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next year, breastfeeding, or postpartum ≤12 months.