Zhen Gao ,1 Gao-Feng Liu,2 Jing Zhang,3 Lai-Xi Ji4

1 Acupuncture and Tuina School/ The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China 2 Graduate Faculty, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China 3 Department of acupuncture, Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China 4 The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China

ABSTRACT

Introduction Neck pain causes serious social and economic burden. Research on the use of acupuncture for managing cervical spondylosis has increased over time, with the quality of studies showing an improved trend. The present study seeks to use a systematic review approach to understand efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treatment of neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis. Methods and analysis We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Literature, Wanfang database and VIP databases, from their inception to July 2020, to identify and retrieve all randomised controlled trials, describing the use of acupuncture for treatment of cervical spondylosis. Thereafter, two reviewers will independently select the studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias. Any disagreements, between them, will be resolved through a discussion with a third reviewer. Data synthesis and statistical analyses will be performed using the Revman V.5.3 software. Specifically, data will be synthesised by either fixedeffects (heterogeneity less than 50%) or random-effects models, following a heterogeneity test, with outcome measures focusing on pain intensity, functional disability, psychological improvements and adverse events. In cases where no considerable heterogeneity is detected, a metaanalysis will be conducted. Ethics and dissemination No ethical approval will be required for this study, since it does not infringe on anyone’s interests. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated through conferences. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020152379.