One hundred and seventy-five patients with neck pain were randomized to receive either electroacupuncture (n=35) or one of 4 types of sham acupuncture: shallow puncture (n=35), non-acupoint deep puncture (n=35), non-acupoint shallow puncture (n=35), or non-penetration acupuncture (n=35). The primary outcome was the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). The results of this trial showed significant improvements in NPQ scores after 5 and 10 electroacupuncture treatments, and after 1 month when compared to baseline in the electroacupuncture, shallow puncture, nonacupoint puncture, and non-penetration acupuncture groups. Placebo response was dependent on the puncture location and the depth of the needle insertion. Nonacupoint deep puncture showed similar analgesia efficacy as the electropuncture group.