Effectiveness of Fire Cupping (Hijamah Nariya) versus dry warm Fomentation (Takmeed Yabis) in Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomized Control Trial

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of fire cupping versus dry warm fomentation in reducing pain and tenderness in patients with Chronic Neck Pain (CNP) and the secondary objective was to compare the effectiveness of both interventions in improving Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) and Quality of Life (QoL). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial 70 patients with CNP were block randomized into two groups; fire Cupping Group (CG) or dry warm Fomentation Group (FG). Response to treatment was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), CROM and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Impact of disease on patient’s QoL was assessed using Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Result: On intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the maximum reduction in pain was achieved in CG than in FG, the mean VAS scores in CG leads to much earlier reduction of pain as compared to FG (p=0.001). The mean CROM in both the groups increased from baseline, though the increase was higher in the CG. A low NDI score signifies less disability, the median percentage NDI score in CG was 12 (0-24) which is lower than FG 18 (0-46.7) and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.0012). In the SF-36, subscale bodily pain, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.0452). Conclusion: Both the regimens are effective in reducing pain and increasing CROM while, earlier reduction in pain occur significantly greater extent with CG. How to cite this article: Raheem A, Nazli T, Saeed A, Alvi R, Kalaivani M. Effectiveness of Fire Cupping (Hijamah Nariya) versus dry warm Fomentation (Takmeed Yabis) in Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomized Control Trial. J Integ Comm Health 2019; 8(1): 21-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2319.9113.201904