Key Takeaway
Meta-analysis of RCTs found cupping therapy significantly reduces low back pain intensity and improves functional disability compared to control treatments.
Summary
This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data from randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of cupping therapy specifically for low back pain, one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide. The authors searched multiple databases and applied rigorous inclusion criteria to identify high-quality RCTs.
The meta-analysis demonstrated that cupping therapy produced statistically significant reductions in pain intensity compared to control groups, as measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and numerical rating scale (NRS) scores. Functional disability outcomes also favored cupping therapy, suggesting improvements in daily activities and physical function for low back pain patients.
The review included various cupping modalities — dry cupping, wet cupping, and flash cupping — applied to low back pain of different etiologies. While the overall effect was positive, the authors noted heterogeneity among studies in terms of treatment protocols, session frequency, and follow-up duration. They recommended standardized cupping protocols in future trials and highlighted cupping as a potentially valuable non-pharmacological option for managing low back pain.