Stretching-Relaxation-Adjustment Manipulation versus Conventional Tuina for Non-Myelopathic Cervical Spondylosis: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of the innovative massage technique-Stretching-Relaxation-Adjustment Manipulation (SRAM)-as a standalone intervention form for various types of non-myelopathic cervical spondylosis.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted, involving 156 patients with non-myelopathic cervical spondylosis. Patients were randomly assigned to the SRAM group (n=78) and the Tuina group (n=78). Outcome measures, including PainVision perceptual pain quantitative analysis, surface electromyography, the Improved Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire, the Quality of Life Scale, the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, were measured at baseline and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant within-group improvement from baseline in all outcomes (all p < 0.05). For the primary outcome (PV), the SRAM group demonstrated significantly greater improvement than the Tuina group for Pain Degree (between-group difference: 61.29 μA, 95% CI [29.43, 93.15], p < 0.001). However, no significant between-group difference was observed for Pain Rate (0.44%, 95% CI [-0.03, 0.89], p = 0.064). SRAM was also superior to Tuina in most secondary outcomes (except several domains (VT, GH, HT) of Quality of Life Scale dimensions).

CONCLUSION

Stretching-Relaxation-Adjustment Manipulation (SRAM), integrating Chinese Medicine and Western theories, was more effective than Tuina in improving most outcomes over a 4-week follow-up and may represent a short-term non-pharmacological option for non-myelopathic cervical spondylosis. Longer-term trials are needed to confirm sustained efficacy.