Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most widespread musculoskeletal problems worldwide, significantly contributing to adult disability and reduced work efficiency. It has a profound influence on physical functioning, job performance, and general well-being. The rising incidence of LBP has prompted greater focus on safe, cost-effective, and non-pharmacological approaches as alternatives to conventional medical treatments. Dry cupping therapy, a traditional technique with origins in Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, has recently gained recognition as an alternative and complementary approach for pain management. This narrative review aims to examine the efficacy of dry cupping therapy in the treatment of non-specific low back pain. A thorough electronic search was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL to identify studies published between 2010 and 2021. Studies conducted on adults between 20 and 60 years of age undergoing dry cupping treatment. The reviewed studies consistently indicated that dry cupping therapy helps alleviate pain, improve lumbar flexibility, and promote a better quality of life. Furthermore, several studies have shown that dry cupping therapy provides comparable or greater benefits than drugs like diclofenac and acetaminophen, with a lower risk of adverse effects. These beneficial outcomes are thought to arise from increased circulation, relaxation of myofascial tissues, and activation of the body's innate pain control pathways. The review suggests that dry cupping is a reliable, effective, and economical therapy that can be integrated into physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices for treating chronic and non-specific low back pain.
Dr. Rishu Kansal (PT) (2025) studied this question.