Efficacy of Wet Cupping (Hijama) Therapy in Alleviating Mechanical Neck Pain: A Clinic-Based Study of Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Neck pain constitutes a significant cause of disability worldwide. Wet cupping (Hijama therapy) is a part of complementary alternative medicine purported to relieve musculoskeletal pain. Objective: This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of single Hijama session on pain intensity and disability among patients with mechanical neck pain. Methods: Fifty adults with mechanical neck pain were recruited from Hijama clinics in Karachi. Pain severity and functional disability were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) 48 hours after intervention. A standardized wet cupping session was administered. Results: Participants (98% female, aged 19–60 years) showed significant reductions in mean VAS (65%) and NDI (46%) scores post-intervention (p < 0.005). Conclusion: A single session of Hijama significantly reduced neck pain and disability, indicating its potential as a cost-effective, low-risk adjunct therapy.