Effects of gentle mechanical skin stimulation on subjective symptoms and joint range of motions in people with chronic neck and shoulder discomfort

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a 2-week self-administered gentle mechanical skin stimulation on chronic neck and shoulder discomfort. In participants (n = 12) with chronic neck and shoulder discomfort, subjective measures of pain sensation, discomfort, and difficulty in moving using a visual analog scale (VAS, 0–10) and objective measures of 12 different joint range of motions (ROMs) for the cervical and shoulder regions, using a digital goniometer, were collected before and after self-care with contact acupuncture, called microcones. The self-care for 2 weeks significantly (p < 0.001) decreased all VAS scores to 2.2–2.3 from baseline values of 6.0–7.4. Of the 12 ROMs tested, 8 were significantly increased (p < 0.013). This open-label study suggests the use of self-care with microcones in improving subjective symptoms and joint ROMs in people suffering from chronic neck and shoulder discomfort. However, a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial is needed to further investigate the efficacy and safety of microcones.

Neuroregulatory Effects of Microcone Patch Stimulation on the Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve and the Prefrontal Cortex: A Feasibility Study

“…However, the potential applications of microcone patches remain substantial. Their non-invasive nature [12] is a significant advantage, differentiating them from medical interventions, such as taVNS [10], and allowing for self-application without expert oversight. Their discreet design ensures that users can wear them without drawing undue attention.…”

“…More recently, approaches that use external devices and stimuli to control autonomic nervous system activity have emerged. Such approaches include transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) [9,10] and dermal stimulation with microcone patches [11,12]. taVNS involves placing electrodes on the auricle to deliver weak electrical stimulation to the auricular vagus nerve, which is directly connected to the vagus nerve.…”

“…In contrast, microcone patch skin stimulation directly stimulates the skin using a patch densely packed with extremely fine projections [11,12,19] and is suggested to change autonomic response or brain activity. Unlike taVNS, microcone patches do not require specialized techniques or equipment, and the patch itself is not considered a medical procedure, making it suitable for self-medication [12]. In a study on chronic pain, the microcone patch was reported to suppress the "slow" reflex involved in the emotional aspect of pain in the somatosensory nerves by up to 60% [19,20].…”