Dry Needling, Manual Therapy and Exercise for Neck Pain Management

Since neck pain is the fourth highest disabling condition (with an estimated point prevalence of 20%, lifetime prevalence up to 70% and high recurrence rates), dry needling targeting myofascial trigger points in neck muscles has been proposed as an effective treatment for reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic neck pain.A recent meta-analysis reported whether dry needling could be recommended for this population. Low to moderate evidence suggests that dry needling can be effective at the short-term, but its effects on pressure pain sensitivity or cervical range of motion are limited.

Inclusion Criteria:To be between 18 and 65 years oldTo have been experiencing unilateral neck pain for at least 3 monthsTo have a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score >8To have a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score >3To have at least one active MTrP located in the upper trapezius or cervical multifidus musclesExclusion Criteria:History of whiplash injuryPrevious cervical surgeryCervical radiculopathy or myelopathyDiagnosis of fibromyalgiaAdditional analgesic treatments during the study (e.g. physiotherapy or drugs)Psychiatric disordersAny contraindication to the interventions proposed (e.g. fear of needles or anticoagulants)