Tension neck syndrome treated by acupuncture combined with physiotherapy: A comparative clinical trial (pilot study)

Summary Objective To evaluate the effect of acupuncture combined with physiotherapy in comparison with acupuncture and physiotherapy performed alone in different parameters; pain intensity, muscle tension, functional disability and muscle strength in the treatment of tension neck syndrome (TNS). Design A prospective, comparative clinical trial. Setting Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Department. Background TNS can occur in computer users. Acupuncture has been one alternative treatment in physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. Subjects Forty-six patients with TNS. Interventions: Patients were allocated into three groups: Group-1 received physiotherapy (therapeutic exercises) combined with acupuncture; Group-2, acupuncture alone, and Group-3, physiotherapy alone; over a period of 10 weeks, with one or two sessions weekly. Outcome assessment All patients had completed the protocols and were assessed using a visual analogue scale for pain intensity (VASpain ) and muscle tension (VASmt ), the Neck Disability Index: Brazilian Portuguese version for functional disability, and the cranio-cervical Flexion Test for isometric neck muscle strength (INMS); in the periods before treatment (baseline), after 10 weeks of treatment, and after 6 months of follow-up. Results All groups showed significant improvement ( p < 0.001) in these parameters after 10 weeks of treatment and after 6 months of follow-up. Group-1 was superior to Group-3 in pain and functional disability improvements ( p < 0.05); and Group-1 was superior to both Group-2 ( p < 0.01) and Group-3 ( p < 0.05) in INMS. After 6 months of follow-up, the improvements of all groups were maintained ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The data suggested that acupuncture effect may facilitate and/or enhance physiotherapy performance in musculoskeletal rehabilitation for tension neck syndrome.