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

SummaryObjectiveTo 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).DesignA prospective, comparative clinical trial.SettingAcupuncture and Rehabilitation Department.BackgroundTNS can occur in computer users. Acupuncture has been one alternative treatment in physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders.SubjectsForty-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 assessmentAll 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.ResultsAll 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).ConclusionThe data suggested that acupuncture effect may facilitate and/or enhance physiotherapy performance in musculoskeletal rehabilitation for tension neck syndrome.