Effect of suspension combined with acupuncture on chronic non-specific neck pain / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of suspension combined with acupuncture on chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP). MethodsA total of 81 patients with unilateral CNNP from the rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Wangjing Hospital from March, 2022 to March, 2023 were divided into suspension group (n = 27), acupuncture group ((n = 27) and combined group (n = 27) randomely. The suspension group underwent conventional suspension, the acupuncture group received conventional acupuncture treatment, and the combined group underwent suspension and acupuncture, for six weeks. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cross-sectional area (CSA) of longus colli and multifidus in the neck using ultrasound imaging were compared before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the VAS and NDI score, and CSA of longus colli and multifidus improved in three groups (|t| > 4.473, P < 0.001), and the combined group was better than the other two groups (P < 0.05). ConclusionSuspension and acupuncture can relief the pain, improve function, and increase CSA of longus colli and multifidus in patients with unilateral CNNP, while the combination of the two methods is better.