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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT03762252

Dry Needling of Scalene Muscle Trigger Points in Mechanical Neck Pain

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

César Fernández-de-las-Peñas

Alcorcón, Madrid, 28922, Spain

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

dry needling

Other

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.

Manual therapy

Other

The therapist will apply manual compression over active trigger points in the scalene muscles for 30 seconds

Primary outcomes

  1. Changes in neck pain intensity with a numerical pain rate scale before and after the intervention

    Time frame: Baseline, one day (immediately post), 7 days (one week) and 30 days (one month) after the intervention

    A Numerical Pain Rate Scale (NPRS, 0-10) will be used to assess spontaneous neck pain intensity

Secondary outcomes

  1. Changes in oxigen saturation with a pulse oximeter before and after the intervention

    Time frame: Baseline, one day (immediately post), 7 days (one week) and 30 days (one month) after the intervention

    Oxygen saturation will be monitored with a handheld pulse oximeter with Masimo SET® measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion™ pulse oximeter

  2. Changes in inspiratory vital capacity with an incentive spirometer before and after the intervention

    Time frame: Baseline, one day (immediately post), 7 days (one week) and 30 days (one month) after the intervention

    Changes in inspiratory vital capacity will be assessed with the incentive spirometer DHD Coach 2®

  3. Changes in neck-related disability with the Neck Disability Index before and after the intervention

    Time frame: Baseline and 7 days (one week) and 30 days (one month) 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

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2019
Study completion
2019
First posted
Dec 3, 2018
Registry last updated
Jul 9, 2019

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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