Clinical trial NCT05182346: Acupressure Versus Ischemic Release in Non-specific Neck Pain
Official title: Acupressure of Acupoints Versus Ischemic Compression Release of Myofascial Trigger Points in Non-specific Neck Pain: Randomised Controlled Trial
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Manual Therapy
Neck Pain
Keywords: Acupressure; Ischemic Compression Release; Neck Pain.
Lead sponsor: Cairo University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2022-01-10
Enrollment: 45
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 25
Maximum age (years): 45
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: FACTORIAL
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: Chronic neck pain (CNP) attributed to myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS) which is one of the particularly common skeletal muscle disorder associated with the hyperirritable zone in the taut band of muscle. Myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are one of the most overlooked and ignored causes of musculoskeletal pain. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of acupressure of cervical acupoints versus ischemic compression release (ICR) of MTrPs in CNP.

Detailed description: Nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) is the commonest cause of neck symptoms and results from postural and mechanical causes.Chronic neck pain (CNP) attributed to myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS) which is one of the particularly common skeletal muscle disorder associated with the hyperirritable zone in the taut band of muscle. Myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are one of the most overlooked and ignored causes of musculoskeletal pain.The objectives of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of acupressure of cervical acupoints versus ischemic compression release (ICR) of MTrPs in CNP. This single blind randomized trial involves patients with NSNP were randomly assigned into three groups: the acupressure group (ACG), and the ischemic compression release group (ICRG) and the control group (CG). Patients in all groups received hot packs and post-isometric relaxation. Patients in ACG received acupressure at local acupuncture points, Gall bladder 21 (GB 21), small intestine 14 (SI 14) and SI 15, and the ICRG received pressure on MTrPs of trapezius muscle on both sides. VAS sores, pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck lateral flexion range of motion, and neck disability index (NDI) were assessed before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* All participants have nonspecific NP for a period of \>3 months
* All participants are presented with at least one active MTrP at the upper trapezius muscle, -
* All participants had not used any medications or physiotherapy to alleviate pain were included in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants who met these criteria had been excluded:

  1. NP due to trauma, whiplash, cervical disc prolapse, inflammation, malignant disease, or any other neurological and orthopedic conditions, which will affect the assessment.
  2. Congenital malformation of the spine as it will alter the normal pattern of movements.
  3. Had any invasive therapies in the past month.
  4. Patients with sensory impairments, such as diabetic sensory neuropathy.
  5. Mental disorders.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Pain intensity
timeFrame: 4 successive weeks
measure: Pressure pain threshold
timeFrame: 4 successive weeks
measure: Cervical range of motion
timeFrame: 4 successive weeks
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Neck function
timeFrame: 4 successive weeks
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Cairo
country: Egypt
facility: Soheir
Study officials:
affiliation: Professor of physical therapy, Cairo University
name: Soheir S RezkAllah, professor
role: STUDY_CHAIR
References:
citation: Kim M, Kim J. Effects of Acupressure on Pain, Flexibility, and Substance P in Middle-Age Women with Chronic Neck Pain. J Altern Complement Med. 2021 Feb;27(2):160-167. doi: 10.1089/acm.2020.0413. Epub 2020 Dec 8.