Comparison of Manual Acupuncture at Distal Acupoints Versus Electroacupuncture at Local Acupoints in Patients With Acute Neck Pain Due to Cervical Spondylosis

A Randomized Controlled Single-blind Clinical Trial Comparing the Therapeutic Effects of Manual Acupuncture at Distal Acupoints With Electroacupuncture at Local Acupoints in Patients With Acute Neck Pain Due to Cervical Spondylosis

This study is a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial involving two groups: manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture, with 62 participants in each group. All participants received treatment once daily for 10 consecutive days, combined with at least 10 minutes of active cervical spine exercises per session.

Participants were allowed to take one 500 mg tablet of paracetamol if the pain exceeded their tolerance threshold, with a minimum interval of 6 hours between doses and a maximum daily dose of 1,500 mg. The number of tablets taken each day was recorded. No other analgesic interventions were permitted during the study period.

The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of the two interventions in improving pain intensity (VAS score) and limitations of cervical range of motion after each treatment session. In addition, adverse events were monitored and recorded after every intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acute onset of neck pain lasting less than 6 weeks.
• Pain intensity ≥ 50 mm on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
• Presence of limitation in at least one cervical range of motion (ROM).
• Radiographic diagnosis of cervical spondylosis based on Kellgren and Lawrence criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with infection, cachexia, or psychiatric disorders.
• Currently using analgesic medication.
• Cervical movement limitation persisting for more than 6 weeks.
• History of or indication for cervical spine surgery.