Dry Needling vs Electrical Dry Needling for Myofascial Neck Pain

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Madinah Teaching Hospital, Health 360, and Holistic Medical Care in Faisalabad. A total of 75 participants were screened; 34 met the inclusion criteria (adults aged 18-60 years with neck pain of at least 3 weeks' duration, at least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, or scalenes, and pain intensity of at least 4 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and were randomized into two equal groups using simple random sampling. Group A (n=17) received Dry Needling and Group B (n=17) received Electrical Dry Needling, one session per week for six weeks. Dry Needling used the Hong fast-in/fast-out technique to elicit local twitch responses followed by ischemic compression. Electrical Dry Needling involved needle insertion into the trigger point/taut band followed by low-frequency (2 Hz) continuous biphasic electrical current applied for 30 minutes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). One participant dropped out of each group, leaving 32 participants (16 per group) in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 with parametric (paired and independent samples t-tests) and nonparametric (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank, Mann-Whitney U) tests as appropriate.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18-60 years of either gender.
• Neck pain duration ≥ 3 weeks.
• Presence of at least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM, splenius capitis, or scalenes, confirmed using Travell and Simons' criteria.
• Pain intensity ≥ 4 on NPRS (0-10) at baseline.
• Ability to understand and complete questionnaires.
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• History of cervical spine trauma, fracture, or surgery.
• Diagnosis of neurological deficits.
• Systemic diseases affecting muscles or joints.
• Use of anticoagulant therapy or bleeding disorders.
• Pregnancy or lactation.
• Active infection or skin lesions in the cervical region.
• Previous dry needling or electrical dry needling treatment in the past 6 months.
• Allergy to needles or local anesthetics if used.