Efficacy of wet cupping in the pain management of cervical spondylosis – A randomized, controlled, open -label, parallel-group clinical trial

Abstract

Background and objectiveCervical spondylosis is a chronic degenerative process of the cervical spine characterized by pain in neck, degenerative changes in intervertebral disc and osteophyte formation. Cervical spondylosis is translated as Wajaʻ ur Raqaba, a type of joint pain. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of wet cupping in the pain management of cervical spondylosis. MethodsThis Open, randomized, controlled, clinical study was conducted on 44 patients. Subjects in the test group (n = 22) received a series of three-staged wet cupping treatment, performed on 0, 7th and 14th day. Subjects in the control group (n = 22) received 12 sittings of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): 6 sittings per week for two weeks. The objective findings of treatment were assessed with the help of VAS, Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Cervical range of motion. ResultsIntra group comparison in test group from baseline to 21st day were found highly significant (p < 0.001) in terms of VAS, NDI, Flexion, Extension and Left rotation score. While in Right rotation, Left rotation and Left lateral flexion score were found moderately significant (p < 0.01). Statistically significant difference was observed between two groups at 21st day in VAS scale, NDI, and Cervical range of motion score (p < 0.001). Interpretation and conclusionḤijāma Bish Sharṭ was found better in the management of pain due to cervical spondylosis than TENS. It can be concluded that Ḥijāma Bish Sharṭ may a better option for the pain management of cervical spondylosis. Clinical trial registrationThe trial was registered on clinical trial registry website (www.ctri.nic.in) bearing a CTRI Number, CTRI/2020/03/024,249.