scholarly journals Comparison of Dry Needling versus Orthopedic Manual Therapy in Patients with Myofascial Chronic Neck Pain: A Single-Blind, Randomized Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Campa-Moran ◽  
Etelvina Rey-Gudin ◽  
Josué Fernández-Carnero ◽  
Alba Paris-Alemany ◽  
Alfonso Gil-Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Pain Catastrophizing ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Mechanical Hyperalgesia ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Neck Disability ◽  
Side Bending

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three interventions for the treatment of myofascial chronic neck pain. Methods. Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups: orthopedic manual therapy (OMT), dry needling and stretching (DN-S), and soft tissue techniques (STT). All groups received two treatment sessions with a 48 h time interval. Outcome measures included neck pain intensity measured using a visual analogue scale, cervical range of motion (ROM), pressure pain threshold for measuring mechanical hyperalgesia, and two self-reported questionnaires (neck disability index and pain catastrophizing scale). Results. The ANOVA revealed significant differences for the group × time interaction for neck disability, neck pain intensity, and pain catastrophizing. The DN-S and OMT groups reduced neck disability. Only the OMT group showed decreases in mechanical hyperalgesia and pain catastrophizing. The cervical ROM increased in OMT (i.e., flexion, side-bending, and rotation) and DN-S (i.e., side-bending and rotation) groups. Conclusions. The three interventions are all effective in reducing pain intensity. Reduction in mechanical hyperalgesia and pain catastrophizing was only observed in the OMT group. Cervical ROM improved in the DN-S and OMT groups and also neck disability being only clinically relevant for OMT group.

Efficacy of dry needling as an adjunct to manual therapy for patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: a randomised clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 244-254
Author(s):  
Gracia M. Gallego-Sendarrubias ◽  
David Rodríguez-Sanz ◽  
Cesar Calvo-Lobo ◽  
Jose Luis Martín
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Cervical Range Of Motion ◽  
Neck Disability

Objective: Chronic mechanical neck pain is associated with musculoskeletal tissue alterations. Active trigger points in the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles are common in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. In this study, we compared the effect of dry needling (DN) combined with manual therapy (MT) to sham dry needling (SDN) combined with MT on pain, pain pressure threshold, cervical range of motion and neck disability in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Methods: A randomised, single-blind clinical trial was carried out involving 101 participants with chronic mechanical neck pain, divided into an intervention group (DN+MT, n=47) and a control group (SDN+MT, n=54). Participants received two treatment sessions. The intervention group received MT in conjunction with DN of the most mechano-sensitive myofascial trigger point (MTrP). The control group received MT plus SDN. Outcomes measures were: pain intensity (numeric pain rating scale, NPRS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (ROM) and neck disability (neck disability index, NDI). Results: This study found that between-group differences in pain intensity were statistically significant (P<0.01). Pain decreased after the first intervention in the DN+MT group (3.47±0.25 points on the NPRS) and even more so after the second intervention (4.76±0.24 points on the NPRS). After 4 weeks, pain intensity differed from baseline by 4.89±0.27 points on the NPRS. Statistically significant differences (P<0.001) in PPT were also found between the intervention group and the control group. After the first intervention, a significant increase in PPT within the DN+MT group (3.09±0.8 kg/cm2) was observed. Cervical ROM also showed highly statistically significant differences. After 4 weeks, a statistically significant reduction (P<0.001) in NDI was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Our results show that DN+MT is efficacious and significantly better than SDN+MT at reducing pain intensity, PPT, neck disability and cervical ROM in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Level of evidence: 1b.

scholarly journals Effects of the Manual Therapy Approach of Segments C0-1 and C2-3 in the Flexion-Rotation Test in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 753
Author(s):  
Jacobo Rodríguez-Sanz ◽  
Miguel Malo-Urriés ◽  
María Orosia Lucha-López ◽  
Albert Pérez-Bellmunt ◽  
Andoni Carrasco-Uribarren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Cervical Range Of Motion ◽  
Rotation Test ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Side Bending

Background: Flexion-rotation test predominantly measures rotation in C1-2 segment. Restriction in flexion-rotation may be due to direct limitation in C1-2, but also to a premature tightening of the alar ligament as a result of lack of movement in C0-1 or C2-3. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a 20-min single cervical exercise session, with or without manual therapy of C0-1 and C2-3 segment in flexion-rotation test, in patients with chronic neck pain and positive flexion-rotation test. Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial in 48 subjects (24 manual therapy+exercise/24 exercise). Range of motion and pain during flexion-rotation test, neck pain intensity and active cervical range of motion were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Significant differences were found in favour of the manual therapy group in the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); pain during the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); neck pain intensity: (p < 0.001); cervical flexion (p < 0.038), extension (p < 0.010), right side-bending (p < 0.035), left side-bending (p < 0.002), right rotation (p < 0.001), and left rotation (p < 0.006). Conclusions: Addition of one C0-C1 and C2-C3 manual therapy session to cervical exercise can immediately improve flexion-rotation test and cervical range of motion and reduce pain intensity.

Effects of dry needling on pain, disability, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing and psychological distress in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Luis Ceballos-Laita ◽  
Ricardo Medrano-de-la-Fuente ◽  
Teresa Mingo-Gómez ◽  
Ignacio Hernando-Garijo ◽  
Elena Estébanez-de-Miguel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Pain Catastrophizing ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Pain Disability

BACKGROUND: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in neck muscles seem to be related to the main symptoms of patients with chronic neck pain. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the effects of dry needling (DN) on pain, disability, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing and psychological distress in patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: A double blind randomized controlled pilot trial was designed. Twenty-one patients with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated to the DN group (n= 7), Sham-DN group (n= 7) or Control group (n= 7). All groups received a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Therapeutic Ultrasound (TENS/US) protocol with patient education. The DN and Sham-DN groups received two sessions of DN and sham DN, respectively. The primary outcome was pain intensity. Secondary outcomes were disability, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, psychological distress, self-reported improvement and success of blinding. RESULTS: The DN group showed a greater decrease in pain intensity, disability and pain catastrophizing compared to the Sham-DN group (p< 0.05) and the Control group (p< 0.05). The DN group showed the highest self-reported improvement. CONCLUSION: Adding two sessions of DN in active MTrPs in upper trapezius, levator scapulae and sternocleidomastoid muscles to a TENS/US protocol with patient education decreased pain intensity, disability and pain catastrophizing in patients with chronic neck pain.

scholarly journals Effects of Virtual Reality versus Exercise on Pain, Functional, Somatosensory and Psychosocial Outcomes in Patients with Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5950 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Tejera ◽  
Hector Beltran-Alacreu ◽  
Roberto Cano-de-la-Cuerda ◽  
Jose Vicente Leon Hernández ◽  
Aitor Martín-Pintado-Zugasti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Pain Catastrophizing ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Time Factor ◽  
Fear Avoidance ◽  
Fear Avoidance Beliefs ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Group Time ◽  
Neck Disability

Background: Virtual reality (VR) applied to patients with neck pain is a promising intervention to produce positive effects when used alone or combined with exercise. Therefore, the objective of this manuscript is to compare the effects of VR versus exercise treatment on pain intensity, conditioned pain modulation (CPM), temporal summation (TS) and functional and somatosensory outcomes in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NS-CNP). Methods: A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was carried out. A total sample of 44 patients with NS-CNP was randomized into a VR treatment group or neck exercises group. The intervention consisted of two treatment sessions per week, for four weeks and eight sessions. Four measurement moments (at baseline, immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after intervention) were considered. Pain intensity, CPM, TS, functional and somatosensory outcomes were measured. Results: Statistically significant differences were revealed for time factor (F = 16.40, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.28) and group*time interaction for kinesiophobia (F = 3.89, p = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.08) showing post-hoc differences in favor of the VR group at 3 months (p < 0.05, d = 0.65). Significant effects were shown for time factor (p < 0.05) but not for the group*time interaction (p > 0.05) for pain intensity, rotation range of motion (ROM), Neck Disability Index, pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, left side pressure pain threshold (PPT) and anxiety. Statistically significant differences were not found for time factor (p > 0.05) and neither in group*time interaction (p > 0.05) for CPM, TS, right side PPT, flexo-extension and lateral-flexion ROM. Conclusions: Kinesiophobia was the only outcome that showed differences between VR and exercise at 3 months. Nevertheless, pain intensity, CPM, TS, ROM, neck disability, pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, PPT and anxiety did not show differences between both interventions.

Effectiveness of Kinaesthetic Exercise program on Position Sense, Pain, and Disability in Chronic Neck Pain Patients with Cervical Spondylosis – A Randomized Comparative Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravi Shankar Yerragonda Reddy ◽  
Arun G Maiya ◽  
Sharath Kumar Rao ◽  
Khalid A Alahmari ◽  
Jaya Shanker Tedla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Cervical Spondylosis ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Position Sense ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Position Errors ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Comparative Group ◽  
Neck Disability

Abstract Background Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a significant health problem with only a few evidence-based treatment options. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of kinaesthetic rehabilitation in musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to assess kinaesthetic exercise programs' efficacy on cervical position sense, pain, and disability in subjects with cervical spondylosis (CS). Methods CNP subjects (>3 months) with a diagnosis of CS were randomly assigned to either a study group (n=125) who received kinesthetic exercises or to a comparative group (n=125) who received isometric neck exercises and deep cervical flexor (DCF) strengthening exercises. Both group subjects participated in the individualized training program for 24 sessions in 6 weeks. The outcome measures were cervical joint position errors (JPE’s) in flexion, extension, rotation left and right, pain intensity, and neck disability. Results All outcomes were improved significantly from baseline to post 24 sessions of intervention. When compared between groups, there was a significant reduction in JPE’s in flexion (mean difference [MD]= 071, CI=0.22–1.20, p=0.001), extension (MD=1.26, CI=0.70–1.81, p< 0.001) and right rotation (MD=1.08, CI=0.58–1.58, p<0.001), pain intensity (MD=1.58, CI=1.09–2.08, p<0.001), and neck disability (MD=10.27, CI=7.42–13.12, p<0.001) after 24 sessions of intervention favoring the study group. Conclusion Study group subjects who received kinesthetic rehabilitation showed more significant improvements in terms of improved proprioception, decreased pain intensity and disability following 24 sessions of interventions compared with the comparative group.

Is a combined programme of manual therapy and exercise more effective than usual care in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain? A randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 1908-1918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Domingues ◽  
Fernando Manuel Pimentel-Santos ◽  
Eduardo Brazete Cruz ◽  
Ana Cristina Sousa ◽  
Ana Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a combined intervention of manual therapy and exercise (MET) versus usual care (UC), on disability, pain intensity and global perceived recovery, in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (CNP). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient care units. Subjects: Sixty-four non-specific CNP patients were randomly allocated to MET ( n = 32) or UC ( n = 32) groups. Interventions: Participants in the MET group received 12 sessions of mobilization and exercise, whereas the UC group received 15 sessions of usual care in physiotherapy. Main measures: The primary outcome was disability (Neck Disability Index). The secondary outcomes were pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and global perceived recovery (Patient Global Impression Change). Patients were assessed at baseline, three weeks, six weeks (end of treatment) and at a three-month follow-up. Results: Fifty-eight participants completed the study. No significant between-group difference was observed on disability and pain intensity at baseline. A significant between-group difference was observed on disability at three-week, six-week and three-month follow-up (median (P25–P75): 6 (3.25–9.81) vs. 15.5 (11.28–20.75); P < 0.001), favouring the MET group. Regarding pain intensity, a significant between-group difference was observed at six-week and three-month follow-up (median (P25–P75): 2 (1–2.51) vs. 5 (3.33–6); P < 0.001), with superiority of effect in MET group. Concerning the global perceived recovery, a significant between-group difference was observed only at the three-month follow-up ( P = 0.001), favouring the MET group. Conclusion: This study’s findings suggest that a combination of manual therapy and exercise is more effective than usual care on disability, pain intensity and global perceived recovery.

Effects of pain neuroscience education and dry needling for the management of patients with chronic myofascial neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

2020 ◽  
pp. 096452842092030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Valiente-Castrillo ◽  
Aitor Martín-Pintado-Zugasti ◽  
César Calvo-Lobo ◽  
Hector Beltran-Alacreu ◽  
Josué Fernández-Carnero
Keyword(s):  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Pain Anxiety ◽  
Neuroscience Education

Objectives The aim of this study was to observe the medium-term effects on pain, disability, and psychological factors of a combination of myofascial trigger point (MTrP) dry needling (DN) with pain neuroscience education (PNE) versus DN alone versus control care as usual (CUC) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods A total of 60 patients were randomly selected in a Spanish National Health Service Public Hospital and divided into three groups: 6 sessions of DN with 3 sessions of PNE (TrPDN + PNE group, n = 21), 6 sessions of DN alone (TrPDN group, n = 20), or 10 sessions of usual care (CUC group, n = 19). The primary outcome was neck pain intensity, while neck disability, medication intake, and psychological factors were secondary outcomes. These variables were measured at baseline, post-treatment, and at 1 month and 3 months after treatment. Results TrPDN + PNE and DN alone were associated with greater reductions in pain intensity and disability compared to CUC (p < 0.01). TrPDN + PNE resulted in greater improvements in kinesiophobia, pain anxiety, and pain-related beliefs than DN alone and CUC (p < 0.01). No differences between groups were observed in medication intake, quality of life, catastrophizing, depression, or fear of pain (p > 0.05). Discussion Provision of PNE and DN in the management of chronic neck pain in a Spanish National Health Service Public Hospital was associated with greater improvements in psychological factors than DN therapy only. Conclusion DN alone was more effective at reducing chronic non-specific neck pain and disability than CUC at 3-month follow-up. However, the inclusion of PNE combined with DN resulted in greater improvements in kinesiophobia, pain anxiety, and pain-related beliefs. Trial registration number NCT03095365 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

scholarly journals Analgesic effects of a capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency in patients with myofascial chronic neck pain: a pilot randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Maria Alguacil-Diego ◽  
Josue Fernández-Carnero ◽  
Sofía Laguarta-Val ◽  
Roberto Cano-de-la-Cuerda ◽  
César Calvo-Lobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Radio Frequency ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Upper Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Neck Disability ◽  
First Session

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: To date, there is a lack of prior studies on the use of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (RF) to treat neck pain. The objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (RF=448 kHz), in comparison with a placebo, on (1) reducing neck pain intensity at myofascial trigger points (MTrP), (2) decreasing neck disability and (3) improving cervical range of motion (CROM). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02353195) was carried out. Patients with myofascial chronic neck pain (N=24) with active MTrP in one upper trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two groups: a radio-frequency group, which received eight sessions of a monopolar capacitive resistive radio-frequency application over the upper trapezius muscle, and a placebo group (PG), which received eight sessions of placebo radio-frequency over the same muscle. Visual analog scale (VAS), CROM and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were evaluated after the first session and after the eight sessions. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test for VAS showed statistically significant differences between baseline, immediately after the first session and after eight sessions (p<.001). No significant differences for PG were found. No differences were observed between groups. NDI improved in both groups after eight sessions, but no differences were found between groups (p<.05). ANOVA for time factor showed statistically significant changes in the right cervical rotation in both groups (F=4.112; p=.026) after eight sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Even though there were no differences between both groups, the monopolar capacitive, resistive RF could have a potential effect on pain intensity.

Sensitization in office workers with chronic neck pain in different pain conditions and intensities

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Nunes ◽  
Kristian Petersen ◽  
Margarida Espanha ◽  
Lars Arendt-Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Moderate Pain ◽  
Pain Group ◽  
Trapezius Myalgia ◽  
Pain Pathways ◽  
Neck Disability

Abstract Objectives Office workers with chronic neck pain demonstrates signs of widespread hyperalgesia, less efficient descending pain modulation, which could indicate sensitization of central pain pathways. No studies have assessed a wide variety of office workers with different chronic neck pain disorders and assessed the impact of pain intensity on assessments of central pain pathways. This study aimed to assessed pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), temporal summation of pain (TSP) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and to associate these with pain intensity and disability in subgroups of office workers. Methods One hundred-and-seventy-one office workers were distributed into groups of asymptomatic and chronic neck pain subjects. Chronic neck pain was categorized as chronic trapezius myalgia and chronic non-specific neck pain and as ‘mild-pain’ (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]≤3) and ‘moderate-pain’ (VAS>3) groups. PPTs, TSP, CPM, and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II were assessed in all subjects. Neck Disability Index and Pain Catastrophizing Scale were assessed in all the symptomatic office workers. Results PPTs were lower in moderate pain (n=49) and chronic trapezius myalgia (n=56) compared with asymptomatic subjects (n=62, p<0.05). TSP was facilitated in moderate pain group compared with mild pain (n=60, p<0.0001) group and asymptomatic subjects (p<0.0001). No differences were found in CPM comparing the different groups (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified Neck Disability Index and TSP as independent factors for prediction of pain intensity in chronic trapezius myalgia (R2=0.319) and chronic non-specific neck pain (R2=0.208). Somatic stress, stress and sleep as independent factors in chronic non-specific neck pain (R2=0.525), and stress in moderate pain group (R2=0.494) for the prediction of disability. Conclusions Office workers with chronic trapezius myalgia and moderate pain intensity showed significant signs of widespread pressure hyperalgesia. Moreover, the moderate pain group demonstrated facilitated TSP indicating sensitization of central pain pathways. Neck Disability Index and TSP were independent predictors for pain intensity in pain groups. Sleep and stress were independent predictors for disability.

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