Fact Check: Can leech therapy fix cervical pain in seven sessions?

A viral Instagram reel claims that leech therapy cures cervical pain in 7 sessions. The claim by user is Misleading.

Claim

In a viral Instagram reel, it is claimed that leech therapy cures cervical pain. A post by sehatplusshorts claims that they are treating a patient for cervical problems using leech therapy. They mention that the leech has already been applied and they are currently monitoring the swelling in the affected area. The user states that once the therapy is complete, they will press on the area again, and the patient will be able to express how much relief they are experiencing and The session is expected to last approximately 25 to 30 minutes. According to them, after about seven sessions, the pain will almost completely disappear. It is mentioned that in previous cases with similar patients, the pain was relieved after seven sessions. The user continues to say that the leec by showing the affected area, explaining that they are pressing a small part of it, and it’s already responding. They add that this is just the first session, and the discomfort the patient was feeling is already starting to reduce. They also claim that the laser treatment being used alongside leech therapy is proving to be as effective as planned. The reel has 135,442 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

This claim is Misleading. While there is anecdotal evidence of Leech therapy providing temporary relief due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, it is not clinically proven to treatment for disapperaing cervical pain that too in 7 sessions. Claims of complete resolution of pain after seven sessions may create false expectation and it is important to take into mind that there are many side effects to this therapy, which one should be aware of before opting for this therapy. 

What is Cervical Pain?

Cervical pain (Cervical radiculopathy), often referred to as a "pinched nerve," occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it exits the spinal cord. This can lead to pain radiating into the shoulder or arm, as well as muscle weakness and numbness. In most cases, cervical pain is caused by degenerative changes in the spine, such as arthritis, that develop with age. However, in younger individuals, it is typically due to a sudden injury that results in a herniated disc. Sometimes, the onset of symptoms occurs without a specific traumatic event.

Understanding Leech Therapy

Leech Therapy also known as hirudotherapy, is an ancient technique that has been researched for its potential impact on a range of conditions, including inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, and post-surgical recovery. The species Hirudo medicinalis is the most widely used leech in therapy, although many other species have been studied globally. Leeches release over 20 bioactive compounds, such as antistasin, eglins, guamerin, hirudin, saratin, bdellins, complement, and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. These substances have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, platelet inhibitory, thrombin regulatory, extracellular matrix degradative, and antimicrobial properties.

Side effects of leech therapy

The use of Hirudo medicinalis in medical treatment, known as leech therapy can cause several side effects. Prolonged bleeding is a common concern due to the anticoagulant properties of leech saliva. Additionally, bacterial infections may occur, especially from the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila, which is naturally present in the leech’s digestive system. This bacterium can lead to serious infections, including pneumonia, septicemia, and gastroenteritis. Patients undergoing leech therapy or bitten by leeches are typically advised to receive antibiotic treatment to mitigate the risk of infection.

Can leech therapy cure cervical pain in seven sessions?

While research shows that leech therapy can assist in pain relief, aid in the healing of chronic wounds, and help manage frozen shoulder, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim that leech therapy can cure cervical pain that too in seven sessions.

An open non-randomized trial published in The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology suggests that leech therapy could be a promising approach for quickly alleviating pain associated with deep-seated vitiated humors, particularly in cases of joint inflammation. 

Kübranur Ünal et. al.'s literature review highlights the promising potential of medicinal leech therapy in treating post-traumatic and chronic non-healing wounds. They noted that Despite its long history spanning thousands of years and continued scientific interest, more research is needed to fully understand and clarify the therapeutic effects of leech therapy in wound healing.

An article published in the International Journal of Health Sciences reported significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and range of motion. The case study demonstrated that the combination of leech therapy with Ashwagandhaghanvati and Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu provided substantial relief from frozen shoulder symptoms. These results indicate that leech therapy, along with phytotherapy, is an effective treatment option for managing a frozen shoulder.

We could not locate any scientific study showing the benefit of leech therapy in cases of cervical pain 

The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr. Raju Vaishya, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi and he said "Leech Therapy for Cervical Pain is a controversial approach. While leech therapy has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, its effectiveness for cervical pain remains a subject of debate. Leeches can help increase blood flow to the affected area, potentially ‘reducing inflammation and promoting healing’. Hence, some patients may report a decrease in pain after leech therapy. There may also be a component of the placebo effect for this pain relief. However, there is limited high-quality scientific research to support the use of leech therapy for cervical pain. Leech therapy can carry risks such as infection, bleeding, and worsening clinical symptoms and neurological deficit, in cases of severe cervical involvement."

Dr. Manish Dhawan, Senior Deformity Correction Surgeon, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital further added, "Leech therapy has been historically used for various conditions, but its role in managing cervical pain is not supported by substantial scientific evidence. While leeches release bioactive compounds, such as hirudin, which can have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, these benefits are temporary and have not been proven effective for long-term relief of conditions like cervical spondylosis or chronic neck pain. Modern medicine prioritizes evidence-based treatments for cervical pain, including physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, corticosteroid injections or other interventional pain management techniques. It is important to address the root causes of cervical pain, such as muscle strain, nerve compression, or degenerative disc disease, rather than rely on therapies that have not undergone rigorous clinical testing. Leech therapy may have limited applications in certain medical fields, such as reconstructive surgery or the treatment of venous congestion, but it is not a recommended approach for cervical pain. Patients should consult doctors for treatment options that are proven to be safe and effective."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Leech therapy can help alleviate pain linked to joint inflammation, and studies have shown its potential in treating post-traumatic and chronic non-healing wounds. Additionally, combining leech therapy with phytotherapy has been found to significantly relieve symptoms of frozen shoulder, suggesting its effectiveness. However, all research emphasizes the need for further study to fully understand its therapeutic effects and there are side effects associated with the therapy.

Moreover, no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that leech therapy can cure cervical pain that too in seven sessions.

Thus, the claim that leech therapy can cure cervical pain in seven sessions is MISLEADING.