RecruitingNot Applicable

High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji Points Combined With Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy

Vietnam104 participantsStarted 2026-06-02

Plain-language summary

Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is one of the most common manifestations of cervical spondylosis and is characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper extremities, sensory disturbances, restricted cervical range of motion, and functional disability. Conservative treatment is recommended as the first-line management for most patients, and electroacupuncture is widely used in Traditional Medicine to relieve pain and improve function. Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) acupuncture points are anatomically located adjacent to the cervical spinal nerve roots and may provide more targeted therapeutic effects than conventional meridian acupuncture points. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has also been used as an adjunctive physical modality to reduce pain and facilitate functional recovery. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether high-frequency electroacupuncture at cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points combined with PEMF therapy provides greater improvement in pain intensity, cervical function, and safety outcomes than conventional high-frequency electroacupuncture combined with PEMF therapy in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis. The primary outcome is pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include cervical range of motion, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and treatment-related adverse events. Clinical outcomes will be assessed at baseline, after one week of treatment, and at the end of the two-week treatment period.

Who can participate

Age range

30 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: * Written informed consent to participate in the study. * Male or female patients aged 30 years or older. * Inpatients or outpatients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Traditional Medicine. * Clinical diagnosis of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, including: * Neck pain radiating to the shoulder and/or upper extremity. * Sensory disturbance and/or motor deficit and/or abnormal deep tendon reflexes consistent with the affected cervical nerve root. * At least one positive provocative test (Spurling test, cervical percussion/compression test, cervical distraction test, or shoulder abduction relief test). * Pain intensity of at least 3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). * Clinical evidence of cervical spine syndrome. * Cervical spine X-ray demonstrating at least one degenerative finding (osteophytes, intervertebral disc space narrowing, or subchondral sclerosis). Exclusion Criteria: * Cervical radiculopathy caused by conditions other than cervical spondylosis. * Cervical myelopathy or other spinal cord disorders requiring surgical intervention. * Severe systemic illness, frailty, or medical conditions requiring intensive care, or suspected malignancy indicated by unexplained fever, unexplained weight loss, immunodeficiency, or cancer. * Contraindications to acupuncture, including skin infection or ulceration at the acupuncture site, allergy to acupuncture needles, severe needle …

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

Change in neck pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Timeframe: Baseline (N0), Day 7 (N7), and Day 14 (N14)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07712354

SponsorUniversity of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cervical Spondylosis trials