Radicular cervical spondylosis is the most common clinical type of cervical spondylosis, with its incidence rate continuously rising in recent years. As a novel therapeutic approach integrating traditional Chinese acupuncture theory with modern minimally invasive surgical techniques, acupuncture knife therapy has demonstrated unique efficacy and advantages in the clinical management of this condition. However, systematic reviews regarding its mechanism of action, efficacy evaluation, and safety remain scarce. To address this gap, this study systematically retrieved relevant literature from databases including PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and Web of Science between 2010 and 2025. Eligible clinical and basic research studies were reviewed and analyzed from multiple perspectives, including musculoskeletal balance, trigger points, biomechanics, and molecular biology. Results indicate that acupuncture knife therapy effectively alleviates pain, numbness, and functional impairment through multiple pathways, including releasing cervical trigger points, reducing soft tissue adhesions and fibrosis, regulating local inflammatory factors, and improving blood circulation and nerve function. In summary, this therapy offers significant efficacy, minimally invasive procedures, and few adverse reactions, making it particularly suitable for patients unresponsive to conservative treatments and unsuitable for surgery. Future research requires high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate its long-term efficacy and safety. Integrating technologies such as image guidance and ultrasound navigation will further advance the standardization and precision of this therapeutic approach.

Wenlong Xu, Gang Li, Xiangyang Wang. Research Progress on Needle-Knife Therapy for Radiculopathic Cervical Spondylosis Based on Musculoskeletal Balance. International Journal of Frontiers in Medicine (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 1: 81-86. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFM.2026.080110.

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