Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacy of Acupuncture and Low-Level Laser in the Treatment of Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Neck pain is a medical and public problem with a prevalence of 9-18 percent in the general population. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a regional pain syndrome that is characterized by tender trigger points in muscles. We aimed to compare the effects of acupuncture and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in cervical MPS (CMPS) treatment. Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial study, during 15 months, 60 patients with CMPS were divided into three groups; groups A, B and C, respectively, underwent acupuncture plus drugs, laser therapy plus drugs, and only medication. Pain severity using the visual analog scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) using goniometry, palpation sensitivity through finger compression and daily function using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) were assessed before, immediately after, and 2 months after treatment; and compared. Results: In the acupuncture group, 5 men and 15 women (mean age: 38.80 ± 6.36 years), in the laser group, 6 men and 14 women (mean age: 37.70 ± 5.64 years) and in the control group, 8 men and 12 women (mean age: 37.60 ± 5.17 years) were evaluated. There was a significant difference in the majority of parameters between the two treatment groups compared to the control group. However, neck ROM in left lateral bending and VAS score showed better improvement in the acupuncture group compared to the other 2 groups (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, 2 months after treatment, no significant difference was detected between laser and acupuncture groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both acupuncture and laser therapy along with exercise and drugs are more effective than routine medication treatments alone in the management of CMPS. However, regarding myofascial pain pathology, acupuncture, at least in the short term, has more beneficial effects on pain improvement and neck ROM than laser or medical therapy alone.