Background: Cervical spondylosis is the most common cervical spine disorder which is clinically manifested by axial neck pain, stiffness, and limited movement and sometimes it is accompanied by tingling and radicular symptoms in the upper extremities. Pain is the most frequent complaint for which patients, suffering from cervical spondylosis, consult physicians. In conventional medicine, pain and other symptoms of cervical spondylosis are controlled by systemic and local use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), however long-term use of such medicines produces adverse effects like dyspepsia, gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer and bleeding.
Methods: We searched articles for neck pain, cervical spondylosis, cupping therapy, Hijāma, etc. from various databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE. We also searched for these topics in the books of Unani medicine available in HMS Central Library, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
Results: This review elucidated that in Unani medicine several non-pharmacological regimens known as Ilāj bi'l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapies) are advised in the management of painful musculoskeletal disorders. Ḥijāma (cupping therapy) stands out among all these regimens and in most of the classical Unani literature, Ḥijāma is suggested as one of the best regimens for the management of pain in Waja' al-Mafāsil including Waja' al-'Unuq (cervical spondylosis).
Conclusion: On going through the classical texts of Unani medicine and published research papers, it may be concluded that Ḥijāma is a safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment for the management of pain due to cervical spondylosis.