Electro-thumbtack Needle Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain
China180 participantsStarted 2022-06-06
Plain-language summary
This prospective trial will be a single-center, participant-blinded, randomized controlled trial. It is reported in previous studies that both acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are effective in reducing neck pain comparing to placebo or exercise. Taking into account the convenience of electro-thumbtack needle therapy shown in clinical practice, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electro-thumbtack needle therapy for alleviating chronic neck pain compared with sham electro-thumbtack needle therapy.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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
. Diagnosed with neck pain with headaches or neck pain with movement coordination impairments according to the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA);
. Aaged 18-65 years;
. History of neck pain for at least 3 months;
. A score of ≥4 in Numerical Rating Scale for neck pain (NRS-NP) assessing the average neck pain intensity over last 7 days until the day of recruitment.
Exclusion criteria
. Diagnosed with neck pain with mobility deficits or neck pain with radiating pain according to the Orthopaedic Section, APTA;
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
1
Proportion of participants with an at least 50% decrease in NRS-NP from baseline.
. Known specific reason leading to neck pain such as tumor, immune disease, endocrine and metabolic disorders, neurological abnormalities, cervical vertebra fracture, cervical dislocation;
. Acute neck pain or neck pain with radiating pain or upper limb symptoms;
. Neck pain with sensory or motor disturbance;
. Prior cervical spine surgery or congenital abnormalities;
. Experiencing medical dispute litigation;
. Have received acupuncture in last 30 days;
. In need of analgesic, muscle relaxant, hormones, or bearing greater pain from another area;