Chuzhen Therapy as a Non-Invasive Traditional Chinese Therapy for Neck Pain

Neck pain (NP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that significantly diminishes patients' quality of life. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed for neck pain management, their use can result in side effects, such as peptic ulcers. Consequently, non-pharmacological treatments like acupuncture and massage serve as effective alternatives. Chuzhen therapy, an adaptation of the traditional Chinese Nine Needles, is a non-invasive treatment that combines the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture and massage by stimulating meridians and acupoints through specific techniques. This approach provides a safe and effective option for neck pain treatment. This paper outlines a comprehensive method for Chuzhen therapy application in neck pain treatment, detailing acupoint selection, material preparation, treatment duration, procedural steps, and safety precautions. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) are employed as assessment tools to evaluate this method's efficacy. Findings demonstrate that Chuzhen therapy effectively alleviates neck pain, improves patients' quality of life, and does not produce adverse effects.