THE ROLE OF DRY NEEDLING THERAPY AND LOW-LEVEL LASER MICROCURRENT ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON SERUM LEVELS OF TNF-α AND MALONDIALDEHYDE IN MYOFACIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points within skeletal muscle, resulting in localized and referred pain, reduced range of motion, and functional impairment. Acute upper trapezius MPS is associated with activation of inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress, including increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and lipid peroxidation products such as malondialdehyde (MDA). These biological processes contribute to peripheral sensitization and may play an important role in the development and persistence of pain.

Dry needling is a minimally invasive intervention that targets myofascial trigger points through insertion of a solid filiform needle to elicit mechanical and neurophysiological responses. Proposed mechanisms include normalization of dysfunctional motor end plates, improvement of local blood flow, reduction of inflammatory mediators, and modulation of peripheral nociceptive input. Low-Level Laser Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation (LL MCES) is a non-pharmacological modality that combines low-level laser therapy with microcurrent electrical stimulation to promote cellular repair, enhance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, improve tissue regeneration, and reduce inflammatory activity. Although both interventions have demonstrated clinical benefits in patients with MPS, evidence comparing their effects on systemic inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers remains limited.

This study is designed to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of dry needling and LL MCES by evaluating changes in serum TNF-α and MDA concentrations following treatment. Clinical outcomes will be examined concurrently to explore whether biomarker modulation is associated with improvements in pain and functional disability. By integrating objective laboratory measures with patient-reported clinical outcomes, the study aims to provide insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of treatment response in acute upper trapezius MPS.

The study will employ a prospective randomized controlled design involving adults with acute upper trapezius MPS. Participants will be allocated to one of four intervention groups: dry needling alone, LL MCES alone, combined dry needling and LL MCES, or sham dry needling. Serum TNF-α and MDA levels will be measured before and after the intervention, together with standardized assessments of pain intensity and neck-related disability. The findings are expected to clarify whether biomarker changes parallel clinical improvement and to provide evidence supporting mechanism-based, non-pharmacological management strategies for acute myofascial pain syndrome.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must meet all of the following criteria:

Adults aged 18 to 45 years. Clinical diagnosis of acute upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) with symptom duration of less than 1 month.

Presence of at least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle confirmed by physical examination according to accepted diagnostic criteria (palpable taut band, hypersensitive trigger point, reproduction of the patient's typical pain, and/or local twitch response).

Moderate or greater neck pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] ≥4). Willing and able to provide written informed consent and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants meeting any of the following criteria will be excluded:

Previous dry needling or LL MCES treatment for the current episode of myofascial pain.

Chronic myofascial pain syndrome (symptom duration ≥1 month). Current use of systemic corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other medications that may significantly influence inflammatory biomarkers within the washout period specified in the protocol.

Previous surgery, fracture, or significant trauma involving the neck or shoulder region.

Cervical radiculopathy, cervical myelopathy, fibromyalgia, inflammatory arthritis, or other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders that could explain the symptoms.

Local skin infection, open wound, or other contraindications to dry needling or LL MCES.

Bleeding disorders, anticoagulant therapy, or other contraindications to needling.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Active malignancy, autoimmune disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute infection, or other systemic inflammatory conditions.

History of severe psychiatric illness or inability to complete study assessments.

Participation in another interventional clinical trial within the previous 30 days.