Efficacy of Dry Needling in Cervical Pain

The presence of latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the angular muscle of the scapula is one of the possible causes of non-specific neck pain. Dry needling (DN) and ischaemic compression (IC) techniques may be useful for the treatment of these MTrPs. Methods: 80 participants were divided into two groups: the dry needling group, which received a single session of DN on the angular muscle plus hyperalgesia (n=40), and the IC group, which received a single session of IC on the angular muscle plus hyperalgesia (n=40). Pain intensity, pain pressure threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM) and quality of life were assessed at baseline, immediately after, 48 hours and one week after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:Patients presenting with neck painPatients presenting with trigger point activation of the angularis scapulae muscleExclusion Criteria:Patients who have an absolute fear of needles (belonephobia).Patients presenting with cervical pain with radiculopathy or irradiation of pain to the upper limb.