Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female, aged 18 to 59 years. * Experiencing neck pain for more than 3 months (chronic). * Neck pain classified as Grade I to III according to the Neck Pain Task Force classification. * Presence of referred pain pattern on physical examination consistent with the distribution of the upper trapezius muscle. * Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score between 30 and 70 mm (out of 100 mm) during activity (e.g., daily activities or light exercise). * Willing to participate in the study until completion and has signed the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Hemoglobin level \<13 g/dL for males or \<12 g/dL for females. * Platelet count \<150,000/μL. * Presence of fever (≥37.5°C). * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia. * Structural abnormalities of the cervical spine other than degenerative changes, such as fractures, cervical spine injuries, space-occupying lesions (SOL), infections, neoplasms, or systemic diseases confirmed by radiographic imaging. * History of cervical spine surgery. * Presence of tumors, wounds, or skin infections at the needle insertion site. * Diagnosed with blood disorders or currently taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. * History of hypersensitivity reactions to acupuncture (e.g., metal allergy, severe atopy, keloids, or other skin hypersensitivities). * Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. * History of pharmacopuncture therapy to the upper trapezius muscle within the past 6 months. * Use of anti-inflammatory medication within the past 2 weeks. * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.