None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to assess whether the effect of dry needling treatment may vary (improve or worsen symptoms) depending on the characteristics of the patient and their pain. This pilot study investigates whether Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) can predict clinical improvement in patients with chronic neck pain treated with dry needling. Fifty participants (n=50) will undergo CPM assessment using pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements and a cuff-induced conditioning stimulus. Dry needling will be applied to active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Pain intensity, disability, and PPT will be measured before and after the intervention. The study aims to explore the relationship between baseline CPM response and short-term clinical outcomes.
Interventions
Participants will receive two sessions of dry needling (1 session per week for two weeks) applied to active myofascial trigger points in neck muscles, performed by a trained physiotherapist. The procedure will be performed at the University of Valladolid in the physiotherapy laboratory, which is equipped for this purpose.
The intervention will follow standardized clinical guidelines for dry needling, including aseptic technique and post-treatment care.
Attendance at treatment sessions and foll
Participants will receive two sessions of dry needling (1 session per week for two weeks) applied to active myofascial trigger points in neck muscles, performed by a trained physiotherapist. The procedure will be performed at the University of Valladolid in the physiotherapy laboratory, which is equipped for this purpose. The intervention will follow standardized clinical guidelines for dry needling, including aseptic technique and post-treatment care. Attendance at treatment sessions and follow-up throughout the study will be recorded.
Sponsors
University of Valladolid
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Adults aged 18 to 65 years Diagnosis of chronic neck pain (duration > 3 months) Pain intensity =3 (greater than or equal to 3 points) on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle Ability to understand and provide informed consent Fluent in Spanish (for questionnaire comprehension)
Exclusion criteria
History of neck surgery or serious cervical spine pathology Neurological deficits or radiculopathy Systemic inflammatory or rheumatic diseases Current use of analgesic or muscle relaxant medication that may interfere with pain perception Participation in other physiotherapy or pain-related treatments during the study period Contraindications to dry needling (e.g., bleeding disorders, needle phobia, skin infections) Pregnancy or breastfeeding Inability to understand study procedures or complete questionnaires
Outcome results
None listed