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Published on: June 27, 2025
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Acupuncture at Sensitized Acupoints versus Sham Acupuncture for Neck-Type Cervical Spondylosis: Study Protocol for a
Chaoran Li1,2,3, Junyi Wang2, Xiaomei Shao1
1Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhongshan Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Pain Research
|December 29, 2025
Summary
This study investigates acupuncture at sensitized acupoints (SA) for neck-type cervical spondylosis (NTCS). Findings may support SA acupuncture as an effective NTCS treatment, offering insights into its mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Neurology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Neck-type cervical spondylosis (NTCS) is a common condition.
- Acupuncture is a frequent treatment for NTCS.
- Acupoint sensitization theory suggests stimulating sensitive points enhances efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical effect and safety of acupuncture at sensitized acupoints (SA) for NTCS.
- To evaluate symptom alleviation in NTCS patients using SA based on acupoint sensitization specificity.
Main Methods:
- Single-center, prospective, patient- and assessor-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial.
- 1:1 randomization to SA group or sham acupuncture (SHA) group.
- Primary outcome: visual analogue scale for neck pain intensity; secondary outcomes: disability index, range of motion, SF-12, ultrasound, pressure pain threshold.
Main Results:
- Primary outcome: Change in neck pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale).
- Secondary outcomes: Changes in neck disability index, range of motion, SF-12, ultrasound, and pressure pain threshold.
- Intention-to-treat analysis will be used.
Conclusions:
- This is the first RCT on SA acupuncture for NTCS, combining subjective and objective measures.
- Findings may support SA acupuncture as an effective NTCS treatment.
- The study may offer insights into the biological mechanisms of acupuncture for NTCS.
