Acupuntura tradicional e acupuntura a laser na dor cervical crônica não específica: ensaio clínico randomizado, controlado

Abstract

Non-specific neck pain is a multifactorial and highly prevalent condition in adults. Traditional Acupuncture (TA) and Laser Acupuncture (LA) can be treatment options for individuals with this condition. However, no studies were found in the literature that compared the effectiveness of AT and AL in chronic non-specific neck pain. Objective: To examine the immediate effect of AT and AL therapies in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain, observing which one is more efficient for this condition. Study design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT). double blind. Participants: 84 individuals (men and women), aged between 18 and 60 years, complaining of chronic neck pain (pain present for a minimum period of 3 months). Interventions: Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups: TA (who received needle acupuncture treatment), LA (who received laser acupuncture treatment), and S-LA (who received sham laser acupuncture). The acupuncture points used (Tianzhu, Fengchi, Jianjing and Jianzhongshu) were stimulated bilaterally. Outcomes: Primary outcome: intensity of neck pain at rest and during movement, assessed by the Numerical Pain Scale, immediately after the end of AT and AL therapies. Secondary outcomes: Pressure Pain Threshold; Pain Temporal Summation Test; Conditioned Pain Modulation Consumption of analgesic medications; and Perception of the Global Effect. Verifying the results and effectiveness of both therapies, separately and by comparing groups. Results: 84 participants were randomized and none withdrew from the study. The TA and LA groups were significantly and equally superior in reducing the intensity of immediate pain at rest and in movement when compared to S-LA. Conclusions: Traditional Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture were equally efficient in reducing the intensity of pain in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Keywords: Chronic non-specific neck pain; Traditional Acupuncture; Laser Acupuncture; Randomized controlled trial.