Electroacupuncture for neck stiffness in chronic neck pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial compares true electroacupuncture to sham electroacupuncture in adults with non-specific chronic neck pain lasting at least 3 months. The primary outcome is immediate changes in neck muscle stiffness measured by Shear Wave Elastography after a single 20-minute session. Participants are 18 to 65 years old, with average pain of at least 3/10 in the past week, and pain localized to the posterior neck area. The study uses objective ultrasound-based biomechanics to provide high-quality evidence on the immediate effects of electroacupuncture. Conducted at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the trial aims to clarify whether the electrical stimulation component offers measurable biomechanical benefits beyond sham treatment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18-65 years
2. Chronic non-specific neck pain persisting for ≥3 months
3. Average pain intensity ≥3 on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale over the past week
4. Pain primarily located in the posterior cervical region, which may radiate to the upper trapezius muscles
5. Able to provide informed consent and sufficient language proficiency to complete questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Specific pathological causes for neck pain (cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy, fracture, infection, tumour, systemic rheumatic disease)
2. History of neck or shoulder surgery
3. Contraindications to acupuncture (severe needle phobia, bleeding disorders, pregnancy)
4. Received acupuncture or other physical therapy for neck pain within the past 6 months

Where it's running

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hio Teng Leong
• Email: annie-ht.leong@polyu.edu.hk
• Phone: 85227666707

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.