Using Electroacupuncture and Dry Cupping to Treat Back Pain from Lumbar Spondylosis

Evaluating the Effects of Electronic Acupuncture Combined With Dry Cupping Therapy in Treating Back Pain Due to Lumbar Spondylosis in the qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern: A Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City · NCT06693453

This study is testing if a combination of Electroacupuncture and Dry Cupping can help relieve back pain for people with lumbar spondylosis.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment76 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (other)
Locations1 site (Ho Chi Minh City)
Trial IDNCT06693453 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Electroacupuncture combined with Dry cupping therapy for treating back pain associated with lumbar spondylosis, specifically targeting patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis patterns. Participants will receive daily treatments over a two-week period, and their pain levels will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The study also aims to identify any medical issues that may arise from the treatments. A comparison will be made between the effects of actual dry cupping and a sham dry cupping procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 with moderate back pain due to lumbar spondylosis characterized by qi stagnation and blood stasis.

Not a fit: Patients with severe spinal diseases, previous spinal surgeries, or those experiencing radiating back pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from chronic back pain.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of Electroacupuncture and Dry cupping therapy for this condition is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals, male and female, 18-70 years of age.
* Report pain intensity between 3 and 7 according to the pain numerical rating scale.
* ODI disability index ≥10%.
* Patients diagnosed with lower back pain due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (diagnosed by a Traditional Medicine Doctor) with clinical signs: stabbing, fixed lower back pain, worse at night, stiffness in the lumbar region, difficulty bending forward, extending, or rotating. The tongue is dark purple, possibly with blood stasis spots, and the pulse is wiry and tight or hesitant.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have previously performed cupping therapy in some body segment;
* Present neurological, vestibular, visual or auditory deficits that make assessments impossible;
* Being in the gestational period;
* Having severe spinal disease (including fractures, tumour, inflammatory diseases, or tumours);
* Have undergone previous spinal surgery;
* Present with radiating or sacroiliac back pain; another rheumatic disease such as fibromyalgia,or ankylosing spondylitis.

Where this trial is running

Ho Chi Minh City

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Back Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.