Optimal Time for In-situ Dry Needling to Affect the Autonomic Nervous System

The purpose of this study is to determine what most optimal dry needling duration effect on the autonomic nervous system.

Design: The researchers will conduct a pilot study to assess the effect of dry needling on the autonomic nervous system

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18-65 years old
• No pain at all anywhere in the body at the time of testing.
• No caffeine containing products 3 hours before measurement and no use of over the counter Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) before the testing.

Exclusion criteria

• Red flags identified during the subjects intake. If needling is contraindicated the subjects will be removed from the study and if necessary will be referred to an appropriate health care provider.
• Use of blood thinners
• History of surgery and or injury within the past six weeks
• Evidence of central nervous system involvement, to include hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances in the hand, intrinsic muscle wasting of the hands, unsteadiness during walking, nystagmus, loss of visual acuity, impaired sensation of the face, altered taste, the presence of pathological reflexes (i.e. positive Hoffman's and/or Babinski reflexes), etc.
• Prior surgery to the neck or thoracic spine
• Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Dry needling or Acupuncture treatment for their neck pain in the last 3-months
• Inability to follow directions and keep the eye open during the measurement phase of this study