Effect of cupping therapy on chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Ahmed Am Torad, Mona Mohamed Taha, Reda Fathi Elbosaty et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed randomized controlled trials of cupping therapy in adults with chronic neck pain lasting at least three months. Nine trials involving 401 participants compared cupping with control interventions. Cupping was associated with reduced pain intensity (Cohen's d = 1.17; 95% CI 0.26-2.09; p = 0.002) and improved functional disability (Cohen's d = 0.77; 95% CI 0.63-0.91; p < 0.001; I² = 0%). Quality of life and range of motion also favored cupping, and no serious adverse events were reported. The authors note that evidence is stronger for function than pain.
Key findings
- Across nine RCTs and 401 participants, cupping reduced pain intensity (Cohen's d = 1.17; 95% CI 0.26-2.09; p = 0.002).
- Functional disability improved with cupping (Cohen's d = 0.77; 95% CI 0.63-0.91; p < 0.001; I² = 0%).
- Quality of life and range of motion favored cupping; no serious adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
Chronic neck pain can cause substantial disability, so evidence of improved function is clinically relevant alongside pain relief. This synthesis brings recent randomized trials together and suggests potential benefit across several outcomes. However, the authors characterize the evidence as stronger for function than for pain, and methodological limitations in some trials temper confidence in the overall findings.
What to keep in mind
The authors note methodological limitations in several included trials; the evidence base is stronger for functional improvement than for pain relief.