CompletedNot Applicable

The Effects of Cupping Massage in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Germany50 participantsStarted 2009-05

Plain-language summary

The study aims to investigate the influence of 5 cupping massage treatments on chronic non specific neck pain. 50 patients with neck pain are randomised into cupping treatment and waiting list control group. Before and after the intervention the investigators evaluate the neck pain (VAS), the neck related disability (NDI), pain on movement (POM) and the quality of life (SF36) and safety. To investigate neurophysiological effects of cupping the investigators also measure mechanical detection threshold (MDT), vibration detection threshold (VDT) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) and the two point discrimination threshold at pain related and control areas. The treatment group receives 5 cupping treatments over a period of 3 weeks.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * age between 18 and 75 * permanent neck pain for at least three months in a row * a minimum of 40mm of neck pain on a 100mm visual analogue scale (VAS) Exclusion Criteria: * neck pain caused by trauma, inflammatory or malignant disease, by congenital malformation of the spine or if pain was accompanied by radicular symptoms such as radiating pain, paresis, prickling or tingling. * invasive treatments within the last 4 weeks, surgery to the spine within the last year, corticosteroid or opioid treatment. * serious acute or chronic organic disease such as diabetes or cancer, mental disorders, pregnancy, and haemorrhagic tendency or anticoagulation treatment. * non steroidal pain medication and physiotherapy were allowed if the treatment regimen was not altered for four weeks before and continued during the study.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain intensity

Timeframe: 3 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02651766

SponsorUniversität Duisburg-Essen

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2011-02

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Neck Pain trials