Traditional Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Nonspecific neck pain is a multifactorial and very common condition in adult individuals. No reports were found in the literature comparing the effectiveness of Traditional Acupuncture (TA) and Laser Acupuncture (LA) in cases of chronic nonspecific neck pain. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of TA and LA therapies in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain.Methods/design: This study will be a controlled and randomized clinical trial. A total of 60 individuals will be randomized into two groups (30 each). The TA group will receive the acupuncture treatment using needles, while the LA group will receive the laser acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture points (Tianzhu, Fengchi, Jianjing, and Jianzhongshu) will be stimulated bilaterally with needles or laser. The primary outcome will be pain intensity, determined using the numerical rating scale. The secondary outcomes will be pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, conditioned pain modulation, use of analgesic drugs after treatment, and the global perceived effect scale. The assessments will be performed immediately before and after treatment. At the follow-up, 1 months after the end of the treatments, evaluation will be made of the pain intensity and the global perceived effect. Statistical analysis of the data obtained will consider a significance level of p < 0.05.Discussion: This study will provide evidence concerning the effects of LA treatment, in comparison to TA, leading to benefits for individuals suffering from chronic nonspecific neck pain.Trial registration: RBR-7vbw5gd (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ​ReBEC)