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, traditional acupuncture (TA) and laser acupuncture (LA) may be treatment options for certain individuals in such a condition. However, no reports were found in the literature comparing the effectiveness of TA and 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, noting which one is more efficient for this condition. The result of this research will have direct implications for pain management and, consequently, may benefit individuals suffering from nonspecific chronic neck pain. Methods/design This will be a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Eighty-four individuals will be recruited and distributed equally and randomly into 3 groups: TA (which will receive the acupuncture treatment with needles), LA (which will receive the laser acupuncture treatment), and Sham (who will receive the placebo intervention). The acupuncture points (Tianzhu, Fengchi, Jianjing, and Jianzhongshu) will be stimulated bilaterally. 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 medicines after treatment, and the global perceived effect scale. The assessments will be performed immediately before and after the treatment, which will be a single session, at the follow-up and 1 month 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 with TA and sham intervention, leading to benefits for individuals suffering from chronic nonspecific neck pain. Trial registration Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ReBEC RBR-7vbw5gd. Date of registration: August 06th, 2021.

Effects of Red and Infrared Laser Therapy in Patients with Tinnitus: A Double-Blind, Clinical, Randomized Controlled Study Combining Light with Ultrasound, Drugs and Vacuum Therapy

“…The application of LLLT in the form of laser puncture stimulates the same biochemical, functional and neurological sequences as traditional needle acupuncture [30,31]. The needles are replaced by the energy delivered through the laser beam non-invasively and painlessly-especially advantageous for people who have a phobia of needles.…”

“…The skin works as an optical membrane of radiation in the nearby integuments. Laser radiation emits a sufficient energy exchange to biologically active elements that regenerate neuronal electrical conductivity and restore the functional and energetic balance of illuminated tissues [31].…”

Effect of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…NP has been associated mostly with the female sex, people with sedentary habits, smoking, and psychological risk factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression [2,4]. In general, NP is self-resolving or responds well to medical treatments, although between 30 and 50% of patients will continue to have residual pain or have new recurrences [1,5]. NP has been classi ed according to its evolution as acute, subacute, or chronic (duration less than or greater than 3 months) or according to its mechanism as nociceptive, neuropathic or nociplastic, depending on whether its origin is due to nervous system involvement [1,6].…”

“…It can also be classi ed as speci c or non-speci c based on its aetiology [6]. Speci c NP is the result of structural conditions such as radiculopathies, myelopathies, fractures, joint in ammation, and sprains, among others, while nonspeci c NP is usually chronic and idiopathic, often without identi able structural compromise, which makes it di cult to associate it with any clinical condition [5,6]. It has been proposed that the persistence of non-speci c NP is related to the phenomenon of central sensitization, which is responsible for the ampli cation of neural signals in the central nervous system, resulting in increased pain perception (hypersensitivity), and whose in uence is important in conditions such as cervical myalgia, temporomandibular disorders, or bromyalgia [7].…”

A Mini Review: Preliminary Study of Bio-Medical Physics on Development of FRRS to Reduce Pain After Heavy Activities

“…The therapy utilizes the electric current given to the feet as a method of reflection and relaxation. In therapy using a stimulator given to the feet, acupuncture treatment methods can be carried out by giving stimulation in the form of electrical energy through acupuncture meridian points [2][3][4]). Specifications that must be considered in the manufacture of electrostimulators for acupuncture therapy are waveform, intensity, frequency, and duration of therapy.…”