Evaluating the Effect of Incision Number in Dry Needling for Neck Pain

Effectiveness of the Dry Needling Technique According to the Number of Incisions in the Treatment of Neck Pain

NA · University of Alcala · NCT06149442

This study tests how different numbers of needle insertions in dry needling can help people with chronic neck pain feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alcala (other)
Locations2 sites (Alcalá De Henares, Madrid and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06149442 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of different doses of dry needling, specifically varying the number of needle insertions, in treating chronic neck pain caused by myofascial trigger points. Participants with nonspecific mechanical neck pain will be randomly assigned to receive either five, ten, or fifteen needle insertions in the upper trapezius muscle. The study aims to determine which dosage yields the best pain relief outcomes. Effectiveness will be measured through pain assessments and symptom reproduction during treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing nonspecific mechanical neck pain for more than three months with a pain intensity of at least 5 on a visual analog scale.

Not a fit: Patients with previous neck surgeries, other ongoing treatments, or specific medical conditions such as cervical radiculopathy or systemic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide clearer guidelines for optimizing dry needling techniques, leading to improved pain management for patients with chronic neck pain.

How similar studies have performed: While dry needling is a widely used technique, this specific investigation into the impact of incision number is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Nonspecific mechanical neck pain for more than 3 months.
* Neck pain of at least VAS 5/10.
* Reproduction of pain and symptoms subjects on palpation.
* Pain on passive stretching of the muscle.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with previous surgical intervention.
* Subjects undergoing other intervention (rehabilitation/medication).
* Positive findings that raise suspicion of cervical radiculopathy:
* Subjects diagnosed: degenerative arthropathies, inflammatory, systemic conditions (fibromyalgia).
* Cardiovascular diseases.
* Whiplash or whiplash.
* Belenophobia.
* Dizziness and vertigo.
* Pregnant.
* Thyroid disorders.

Where this trial is running

Alcalá De Henares, Madrid and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Neck Pain, dry needling, myofascial trigger point

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.