Woman sitting at a desk in front of a computer holding her lower back with a contorted face, indicating back pain.

Study on TCM for neck and back pain

Qi-ling Yuan et al.

February 2015

Back pain

Back treatment

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

A collaboration between Jiaotong University Xi'an and Xianyang Central Hospital in Xianyang examined the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for neck pain and lower back pain. For this purpose, 75 randomized controlled trials were compared, the majority of which dealt with corresponding chronic pain. The study showed that acupuncture, acupressure and cupping can be used effectively in the treatment of chronic neck or back pain. Gua Sha, Tai Chi or Qi Gong were effective, but no firm conclusions could be drawn. There is not yet sufficient data on the effectiveness of tuina and moxibustion.

As no serious side effects were found, it can be assumed that TCM is a safe treatment method. Thus, a supportive effect of TCM on neck pain and lower back pain could be proven.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Back pain, neck pain
Institution: Department of Orthopaedics of the First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
Title: Study on TCM for neck and back pain
Brief description: Study shows that TCM methods such as acupuncture, acupressure and cupping effectively relieve neck and back pain.
Original title: Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25710765/