ABSTRACT

In recent years, electroacupuncture therapy (EAT) has been frequently used for cervical pain; however, its effectiveness is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of EAT in patients with chronic neck pain due to cervical disc herniation (CDH).

Sixty patients were enrolled in this study. Demographic data were recorded. Patients were randomized into two groups. The parameters for evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment included pain at rest, quality of life and range of motion (ROM). Pain and quality of life were assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores.

There was a statistically significant improvement in all parameters in the EAT group after treatment when compared with the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) group.

Our results suggest that EAT is a safe and effective treatment in patients with chronic neck pain due to CDH.

Keywords: Electroacupuncture, cervical disc herniation, TENS