Overview
Currently, no previous studies have investigated how the position of a muscle before dry needling may influence the outcome and effectiveness of the treatment.
This study aims to demonstrate whether the position of the upper trapezius muscle during dry needling treatment influences the outcome of that treatment in subjects with neck pain.
A total of 46 participants with chronic neck pain will be recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: a dry needling group with the muscle in a stretched position and a dry needling group with the muscle in a shortened position. A total of two treatment sessions will be performed, separated by a 7-day interval. The primary outcome measure will be the intensity of neck and head pain, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Other variables to be measured include the cervical disability index, kinesiophobia, and catastrophizing (using a self-completion questionnaire), as well as participants' expectations and post-needling pain.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Neck pain lasting more than 3 months
- Current neck pain greater than 3/10 on the VAS (Visual Analog Scale)
- Presence of active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, meeting the following criteria: Painful point within a taut band whose palpation reproduces the patient's symptoms.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Neck pain with a medical diagnosis (fractures, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.)
- Radicular pain (paresthesia, burning, electric shocks)
- Whiplash or any recent trauma
- Previous surgery
- Treatment by another physiotherapist within the last 3 months
- Infections
- Needle phobia
- Use of anticoagulant medications
- Pregnancy
- Fibromyalgia
- Metal allergies
- Cognitive deficits or communication problems
