Eficacia de la electroacupuntura y el masaje terapéutico sobre la cervicalgia secundaria a estrés y ansiedad. Revisión sistemática de la literatura

Background

Stress and anxiety are physiological responses that allow the body to adapt to stressful environments or factors. However, when these stimuli become prolonged or chronic, they can cause an imbalance in the body, disrupting homeostasis. Psychological disorders, such as anxiety and long-term stress, are important risk factors for developping musculoskeletal problems. Cervicalgia, a common musculoskeletal disorder, causes movement limitations, pain, and generates feelings of frustration and helplessness. In 2019, the age-standardized prevalence of cervicalgia was 27.0 per 1,000 inhabitants. Electroacupuncture (EA) has emerged as a modern form of acupuncture that uses electrical impulses to enhance its therapeutic effect, particularly in its ability to regulate the autonomic nervous system and modulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. On the other hand, therapeutic massage has been used to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. Recent research has confirmed the benefits of massage in these conditions, showing significant positive effects in reducing stress and anxiety, with cumulative benefits over time.

Objective

To document the efficacy of EA and therapeutic massage on cervicalgia secondary to stress and anxiety through a systematic literature review.

Method

A systematic literature review was conducted, where 50 scientific articles published between 2019 and 2024 were reviewed, using scientific databases such as PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, PEDro, and Google Scholar.

Conclusions

Both EA and therapeutic massage have shown efficacy in the treatment of cervicalgia, with EA standing out in reducing pain and improving functionality through the modulation of neurotransmitters and blood flow. Therapeutic massage has proven effective in improving neurophysiological function and reducing pain, with demonstrated benefits in pain reduction, improved range of motion, and decreased neck pain-related disability.