Acupuncture for Comorbid Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Chronic Insomnia: Protocol for a Multicenter, Randomized,...

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Clinical Research
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) and chronic insomnia frequently coexist, potentially exacerbating each other.
• Limited high-quality evidence exists for nonpharmacological interventions addressing this dual condition.
• Acupuncture is explored as a potential treatment for this prevalent comorbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for patients with comorbid CNSNP and chronic insomnia.
• To provide high-quality evidence for a nonpharmacological approach to this common comorbidity.
• To assess acupuncture's impact on pain intensity and insomnia severity.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, randomized, participant-, assessor-, and statistician-blinded, sham-controlled superiority trial.
• 128 adults with CNSNP and chronic insomnia randomly assigned to acupuncture or sham acupuncture.
• 12 treatment sessions over 4 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up; co-primary outcomes: neck pain (AP-NRS) and insomnia severity (ISI) at week 4.

Main Results:

• Data analysis is pending completion of the trial.
• Co-primary outcomes include changes in average neck pain intensity and insomnia severity.
• Secondary outcomes assess various pain, sleep, anxiety, and depression measures.

Conclusions:

• This trial aims to address a significant evidence gap in managing comorbid CNSNP and chronic insomnia.
• The study design incorporates rigorous methods, including blinding and validated outcomes, to enhance validity.
• Findings are expected to inform clinical practice and future research in integrative pain and sleep management.