Dry Needling of Scalene Muscle Trigger Points in Mechanical Neck Pain

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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There is preliminary evidence suggesting that referred pain from active trigger points can play a relevant role in individuals with mechanical neck pain. Some studies have investigated the effectiveness of dry needling over the upper trapezius muscle in this population. However, other muscles, such as the scalene muscles, can be also relevant for neck pain symptoms. No study has investigated the effects of the application of dry needling over active trigger points in the scalenes muscles in a sample of patients with mechanical neck pain.

Official Title
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Effects of Dry Needling of Active Trigger Points in the Scalene Muscles on Individuals With Mechanical Neck Pain

Conditions
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Neck Pain

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Dry needling
* Other: Manual Therapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Generalized neck-shoulder pain with symptoms provoked by neck postures, neck movement, or palpation of the cervical musculature Exclusion Criteria: whiplash injury; previous cervical or thoracic surgery; cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy; diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome; having undergone physical therapy in the previous 6 months; less than 18 or greater than 45 years of age fear to needles any respiratory disease, e.g., chronic brochitis

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 45 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Dry needling<br>Patients will receive dry needling over active trigger points in the scalene muscles | Other: Dry needling<br>* A solid filiform needle will be inserted over active trigger points in the scalene muscles for 30 seconds. The aim will be to elicit local twitch responses or the referred pain pattern of the scalene muscles.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Manual Therapy<br>Patients will receive a manual compression for 30seconds over active trigger points in the scalene muscles | Other: Manual Therapy<br>* The therapist will apply manual compression over active trigger points in the scalene muscles for 30 seconds<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in neck pain intensity with a numerical pain rate scale before and after the intervention | A Numerical Pain Rate Scale (NPRS, 0-10) will be used to assess spontaneous neck pain intensity | Baseline, one day (immediately post), 7 days (one week) and 30 days (one month) after the intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in oxigen saturation with a pulse oximeter before and after the intervention | Oxygen saturation will be monitored with a handheld pulse oximeter with Masimo SET® measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion™ pulse oximeter | Baseline, one day (immediately post), 7 days (one week) and 30 days (one month) after the intervention | 
| Changes in inspiratory vital capacity with an incentive spirometer before and after the intervention | Changes in inspiratory vital capacity will be assessed with the incentive spirometer DHD Coach 2® | Baseline, one day (immediately post), 7 days (one week) and 30 days (one month) after the intervention | 
| Changes in neck-related disability with the Neck Disability Index before and after the intervention | The Neck Disability Index (NDI, 0-50), a specific neck pain related disability questionaire, will be used for assessing neck pain related-disability | Baseline and 7 days (one week) and 30 days (one month) after the intervention |