Dry needling treatment for cervicogenic headaches and neck mobility
Effect of Dry Needling of the M. Obliquus Capitis Inferior on Rotational Mobility and Headache Related Outcome Measures in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache: a Randomized, Controlled Experimental Study
This study tests if dry needling can help people with cervicogenic headaches feel better and move their necks more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT05074381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This experimental study evaluates the effects of dry needling on the M. Obliquus capitis inferior muscle to improve rotational mobility and reduce headache symptoms in patients diagnosed with cervicogenic headache. The study will assess the relationship between neck mobility and headache intensity, utilizing the flexion-rotation test as a key measurement tool. Participants will receive either dry needling or sham needling to determine the efficacy of this treatment approach. The study aims to clarify the role of dry needling in managing cervicogenic headaches and associated neck pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of cervicogenic headache and limited neck mobility.
Not a fit: Patients with headaches not related to cervical spine disorders or those with other headache diagnoses may not benefit from this treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly alleviate headache symptoms and improve neck mobility for patients suffering from cervicogenic headaches.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of dry needling has been explored in various contexts, this specific application for cervicogenic headaches is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to the ICHD-3 criteria: A. Any headache fulfilling criterion C B. Clinical and/or imaging evidence1 of a disorder or lesion within the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck, known to be able to cause headache2 C. Evidence of causation demonstrated by at least two of the following: 1. headache has developed in temporal relation to the onset of the cervical disorder or appearance of the lesion 2. headache has significantly improved or resolved in parallel with improvement in or resolution of the cervical disorder or lesion 3. cervical range of motion is reduced, and headache is made significantly worse by provocative manœuvres 4. headache is abolished following diagnostic blockade of a cervical structure or its nerve supply D. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis3;4;5. * Age: 18-65 years * Headache for at least 1 day/week for at least 3 months * Limited mobility of the neck * Positive flexion-rotation test (\<32 degrees on the left/right side or a difference of 10 degrees or more between left and right side) * NRS \> 3/10 Exclusion Criteria: * Primary headache forms: migraine, TTH * Other secondary headaches that do not comply with the ICDH-3 criteria for CH * Whiplash or other traumatic incident in the past * Pregnancy or given birth in the last year * Previous head, neck or shoulder surgery * Cervical radiculopathy complaints * Fear of needles * Receiving other treatments for headache or neck pain (physical therapy/ostheopathy/chiropraxie...) in the previous month * All possible contra-indications for dry needling (taking anti-coagulantia; infectional diseases; skin abnormalties in the head/neck-region; epilepsia; allergies for latex, nickel...)
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- University Ghent - campus UZ Ghent - Rehabilitation Sciences B3 — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Barbara Cagnie, Prof. — University Ghent
- Study coordinator: Barbara Cagnie, Prof.
- Email: Barbara.Cagnie@UGent.be
- Phone: +32 9 332 52 65
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.