Dry Cupping for Low Back Pain

Overseen By Natasha Scavarelli, HBK

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Lakehead University

Disqualifiers: Specific back conditions, Surgery, Trauma, Cancer, Pregnancy, Blood disorders

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 1 week

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This pilot study will investigate the effects of dry cupping the lumbar paraspinal muscles on lumbar spine on range of motion (ROM), blood flow as indicated by skin temperature, subjective pain, pressure pain threshold, perceived treatment effect and overall function in individuals experiencing Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). The intervention will occur across three treatment sessions, scheduled approximately 48 hours apart. Both an intervention and placebo group will be used an a pre-/post- comparison will be conducted.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently receiving treatment for non-specific low back pain, you will need to have a 2-day break from that treatment before participating in the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dry Cupping for Low Back Pain?

The research suggests that dry cupping may not be more effective than a placebo (a treatment with no active effect) for improving outcomes in people with chronic low back pain. However, some studies indicate that the experience of social and professional support during treatment can impact how patients feel about their pain. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is dry cupping safe for humans?

Research on dry cupping for musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain, suggests it is generally safe, with no major safety concerns reported in the studies. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

How does dry cupping treatment differ from other treatments for low back pain?

Dry cupping is unique because it involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which is believed to improve blood flow and reduce pain, unlike standard treatments that often involve medication or physical therapy. It is a non-invasive method and can be applied to specific points on the body, such as acupoints, which may offer temporary relief from pain and improve sleep and disability in some patients. ^{1 2 5 8 9}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for men and women aged 18-55 who have non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) but are otherwise healthy. Participants must not be receiving other treatments for NSLBP or any musculoskeletal condition, with a required 48-hour break before joining the study.

Inclusion Criteria

I am either male or female.

I am between 18 and 55 years old.

I have lower back pain.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive dry cupping treatment on lumbar paraspinal muscles across three sessions, approximately 48 hours apart

1 week

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Dry Cupping
• Placebo Dry Cupping

Trial Overview The study tests dry cupping therapy on lower back muscles to see if it improves motion range, blood flow (measured by skin temperature), pain levels, pressure pain threshold, perceived treatment effect, and overall function in people with NSLBP over three sessions.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals in this condition will receive treatment using regular plastic cups, for all three treatment sessions.

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 2 Interventions

Individuals in this condition will receive treatment using plastic cups with two 2 mm holes drilled in either side of them, for all three treatment sessions.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lakehead University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

29

Recruited

3,900+

References

1. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dry cupping therapy is not superior to sham cupping to improve clinical outcomes in people with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomised trial. [2021]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pulsatile dry cupping in chronic low back pain - a randomized three-armed controlled clinical trial. [2018]

3. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of wet-cupping for nonspecific low back pain in Iran: a randomized controlled trial. [2008]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dry cupping in the treatment of individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain: a protocol for a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind study. [2020]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring patient experiences of participating in a real and sham dry cupping intervention for nonspecific low back pain: A qualitative study. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dry cupping for musculoskeletal pain and range of motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Use of Wet Cupping for Persistent Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. [2022]

8. Iran pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect Dry Cupping Therapy at Acupoint BL23 on the Intensity of Postpartum Low Back Pain in Primiparous Women Based on Two Types of Questionnaires, 2012; A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2022]

9. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Single Cupping Thearpy Session Improves Pain, Sleep, and Disability in Patients with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain. [2020]