NCT04305223

Dry Needling for Cervicogenic Headache

Comparison of Dry Needling Versus Upper Extremity Strengthening and Dry Needling for Individuals With Cervicogenic Headache

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 7 (actual)
• Sponsor: Emory University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This is a single-blinded randomized clinical trial. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of dry needling of myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the head and cervical spine in addition to an upper extremity strengthening/stretching exercise program compared to a dry needling group alone on pain scores, cervical range of motion, pain sensitivity and changes in severity and frequency of pain symptoms in individuals with cervicogenic headache.

Detailed description

This is a single-blinded randomized clinical trial. Eligible participants who agree to enroll in the study will be asked to attend four testing sessions. Participants in both groups will receive dry needling to the involved head and cervical muscles and the other group, in addition to receiving a dry needling intervention, will be instructed in a standard home exercise program consisting of strengthening and stretching exercises for the upper quarter. All dry needling (using standard clean technique) will be performed by licensed physical therapists board certified in orthopaedic physical therapy and having a minimum of 5 years of experience treating patient populations with dry needling. The aim of this research study is to compare he effectiveness of dry needling alone with dry needling and a home exercise program on pain, pain sensitivity, cervical range of motion, and changes in the severity and frequency among individuals with headache symptoms.

Conditions

• Headache
• Cervicogenic Headache

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Dry Needling	Dry Needling is a treatment technique whereby a sterile, single-use, fine filament needle is inserted into the muscle to assist with decreasing pain and improving function through the release of myofascial trigger points (knots in the muscle).
OTHER	Upper extremity stretching program	A standard home exercise program consisting of strengthening and stretching exercises for the upper quarter

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-02-12
• Primary completion: 2020-04-01
• Completion: 2020-04-01
• First posted: 2020-03-12
• Last updated: 2020-05-19

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States