Dry Needling for Cervicogenic Headache

Last updated: December 20, 2021
Sponsor: Youngstown State University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Pain

Chronic Pain

Pain (Pediatric)

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT05140291
2022-6
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Currently, it is unknown if dry needling when performed to the trigeminal innervation field improves neck pain and or headache for patients with cervicogenic headaches. The aim of this study is to determine if dry needling of the trigeminal innervation field improves pain, pain-pressure thresholds, and neck mobility in patients with cervicogenic headaches, with or without migraine.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Aged 18 or older

  • Symptoms: (1)Unilateral pain starting in the neck and radiating to the frontotemporal region or posterior fossa, (2) pain aggravated by neck movement, (3) restricted cervical range of motion, (4) non-throbbing and non-lancinatingnpain, 5) dysfunction/headache pain in at least one of the joints of the upper cervical spine(C0-C4), and (6) headache frequency of at least 1 per week over a period greater than 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Pain <2/10

  • Contraindications to the interventions

  • Whiplash associated disorder within 6 weeks

  • Pending litigation for neck pain and/or headache.

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Study Start date:
December 03, 2021
Estimated Completion Date:
April 30, 2022

Study Description

Dry needling is a widely used intervention performed by physical therapists for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Dry needling has been shown to be beneficial for cervicogenic headaches but treatment is typically applied to the neck. It is well-established that cervical pain can upregulate the trigeminal nerve and vice versa in various forms of headaches. Thus, it is plausable that reducing inflammation and irritation of the trigeminal nerve may in fact reduce neck pain and impairments. This study aims to look investigate whether dry needling the trigeminal innervation field will reduce pain and impairments known to exist in patients with cervicogenic headaches compared to a sham comparator. The study is a pilot trial for a larger RCT and will look at immediate effects only.

Connect with a study center

  • Youngstown State University

    Youngstown, Ohio 44406
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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