Efficacy of Wet Cupping (Hijama) Therapy in Alleviating Mechanical Neck Pain: A Clinic-Based Study of Karachi, Pakistan
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: 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.
Source: EJSMT
Authors: Amber Mushtaq, Muhammad Bilal, Bareera Thanwi
Institution: Dow University of Health Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412408693