Effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine combined with Chinese massage therapy for enhancing cervical function in cervical spondylosis: a meta-analysis.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relative effectiveness of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula combined with Chinese massage therapy (Tui Na) for cervical spondylosis (CS).

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including Wanfang, CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Literature, VIP, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Studies were screened to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the efficacy of TCM combined with Tui Na for CS. The clinical curative effect was evaluated by analyzed the effective rate, pain level (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) score. Pooled and sensitivity analyses were performed, and risk of bias was evaluated.

Results: A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared to Chinese Message therapy alone, TCM combined with Tui Na exhibited a more pronounced reduction in VAS score (SMD: -1.72; 95% CI = [-2.57, -0.86]; I² = 94.5%, P < 0.001) and also a significant improvement in NDI score (SMD = -0.61; 95% CI = [-1.78, 0.56]; P < 0.0001). The combined treatment resulted in a higher clinical efficacy compared to Tui Na alone (SMD: 0.87; 95% CI = [0.80-0.95]; I² = 0%, P = 0.978), although the difference was not statistically significant. Quality of life were significantly improved in CS patients treated with combined therapy (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI = [0.03-2.09], P = 0.001).

Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicine encapsulation combined with Chinese massage therapy is effective in treating cervical spondylosis, significantly reducing the pain levels and improving cervical vertebral function.