Dry Needling vs. Manual Therapy for Headaches
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial compares dry needling and orthopedic manual therapy for patients with headaches caused by neck problems. Dry needling uses thin needles to relieve muscle tension, while manual therapy involves hands-on adjustments to the neck. Both treatments aim to reduce headache pain by addressing issues in the neck. Dry needling is a treatment technique used by clinicians to relieve symptoms in patients with tension-type headache (TTH), cervicogenic headache (CGH), or migraine.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It would be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is dry needling generally safe for humans?
How does the treatment of dry needling and manual therapy for headaches differ from other treatments?
Dry needling and manual therapy for headaches are unique because they target myofascial trigger points (tight areas in muscles) to relieve tension and pain, which is different from standard headache treatments that often focus on medication. This approach combines physical techniques to improve muscle function and reduce pain, offering an alternative for those who may not respond well to traditional drug therapies.24567
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for headaches?
Who Is on the Research Team?
David Griswold, PhD
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor at Youngstown State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with cervicogenic headaches (CGH) occurring at least once a week for more than three months. Participants must meet specific criteria and have neck dysfunction. It's not for those with mild headache pain, non-English speakers, certain medical conditions or surgeries, metal allergies, migraine or tension-type headaches, needle phobia, or cervical arterial issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either cervical-cranial dry needling or orthopedic manual therapy, along with thoracic manipulation and exercise, 2x/week for 2 weeks and then 1-2x/week for 2 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with outcomes collected at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cervical-cranial dry needling
- Orthopedic manual therapy
Cervical-cranial dry needling is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Cervicogenic Headache
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions
- Cervicogenic Headache
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions
- Cervicogenic Headache
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Youngstown State University
Lead Sponsor
Franklin Pierce University
Collaborator