The effect of upper trapezius trigger points dry needling on postural control in patients with chronic neck pain

Objective

Myofascial neck pain, which strongly affects the upper trapezius muscle, is treated by physiotherapists with dry needling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of upper trapezius trigger points (TrPs) dry needling on postural control and balance in chronic neck pain.

Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Subjects

Thirty individuals with chronic neck pain (more than 3 months), aged 18–40 years, neck disability index (NDI) > 10, and pain intensity (PI) between 3 and 6 who have TrP in the upper trapezius.

Method

Thirty individuals were randomly assigned into 2 groups, (i) 15 receiving intervention (real dry needling), and (ii) 15 in the sham group (sham dry needling). Outcomes were range of neck movements, neck disability index, pain intensity, and the mean and standard deviation as well as maximum velocity of center of pressure displacement in the anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions during balance task on the force plate (1 leg stance and closed eyes) before the intervention and after the fifth and fifteenth (follow-up) days.

Intervention

Upper trapezius dry needling was applied for 3 sessions occurring every other day in a week.

Result

No significant differences were seen between the 2 groups in mean displacement, standard deviation, or maximum velocity in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral axis and range of motion (ROM) except for left lateral bending; however, a significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in pain intensity and neck disability index.

Conclusion

Dry needling on the upper trapezius TrPs does not change postural control but decreases pain and disability.