Dry needling (DN) is a treatment technique used for treating musculoskeletal pain conditions. DN has shown to be effective on pain and function in patients with mechanical neck pain. Potential effects of DN can be related to several mechanisms, including physical, cognitive and emotional factors. This study will evaluate the role of the patient expectances related to the evolution (progress) of the condition, in this case, mechanical neck pain, in the effects of real or sham dry needling in sensitivity outcomes such as pain intensity or pressure pain sensitivity. Expectation of each patient in both groups will be considered positive, neutral or negative based on the outcomes of the Patient Shoulder Expectancies (PSOE) questionnaire which was adapted to the cervical spine.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
50
Real dry needling will be conducted according to the fast-in and fast-out principle. The intervention will be applied until a total of four local twitch responses will be elicited
Sham dry needling with be conducted with a sham needle device. This needle has a blunt tip and retractable handle that created the illusion of a needle penetrating the skin. When this needle touches the skin, a pricking sensation will be created. However, when pressure will be increased, the shaft of the needle disappears into the handle creating a sensation on the patient
César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
Alcorcón, Rest of the World, Spain
Changes in Neck Pain Intensity between baseline and follow-up periods
The intensity of neck pain at rest and during active movement of the cervical spine in rotation will be assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after and 1 week after intervention
Changes in Pressure pain sensitivity between baseline and follow-up periods
Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) will be assessed at the upper trapezius muscle, spinous process of C7 and distant pain-free area of the lower extremity (heel)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after and 1 week after intervention
Changes in patients self-perceived improvement between baseline and follow-up periods
Patients self-perceived improvement will be assessed using a Global Rating of Change (GROC) consisting of a 15-point scale ranging from -7 (a very great deal worse) to +7 (a very great deal better).
Time frame: Baseline and 1 week after intervention
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