Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neck pain (NP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Pharmacological treatments often provide limited benefits and may be associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for effective non-pharmacological options. AIM: To develop evidence-based recommendations on the effectiveness, safety, and clinical implementation of acupuncture and/or moxibustion for adults with NP. METHODS: This guideline was developed in accordance with the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) statement for acupuncture and the BMJ Rapid Recommendations process. Recommendations were informed by a systematic review of 88 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 10,172 participants. Evidence certainty was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), and recommendations were formulated through an evidence-to-decision framework and multidisciplinary consensus. RESULTS: The guideline proposed five recommendations: (1) acupuncture and/or moxibustion is suggested rather than no such treatment (weak recommendation, moderate-certainty); (2) acupuncture and/or moxibustion may be considered for patients with moderate-to-severe pain or prolonged symptoms (weak recommendation, low-certainty); (3) adding acupuncture and/or moxibustion to usual care is suggested rather than usual care alone (weak recommendation, low-certainty); (4) an initial 3-4-week course, using 5-10 acupoints/session and 3-5 sessions/week, may serve as a reference regimen (weak recommendation, low-certainty); and (5) electroacupuncture may be preferentially considered for pain relief and functional improvement, whereas manual acupuncture, warm needling, and moxibustion may be alternatives (weak recommendation, low-certainty). Adverse events were generally mild and self-limiting. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture and/or moxibustion may be reasonable and safe non-pharmacological options for adults with NP. Clinical use should be guided by shared decision-making that considers symptom severity, disease duration, treatment goals, patient preferences, accessibility, and practitioner expertise.
DOI: 10.1111/jebm.70204
Institutions: Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,550
OpenAlex ID: W7221467485