Treating Neck Pain with Trigger Point Dry Needling: A Case Report

Vikrant Bhardwaj, Madhavi Awasthi, Kuljeet Singh Anand

Abstract: The present case study includes a 40 years old male with a history of neck pain for last 2 days, with no history of trauma or injury, was referred to physiotherapy by orthopedic surgeon with a diagnosis of neck strain of muscular origin. Being a desk job worker by profession, his job involved continuous sitting in front of computer for long hours. The patient presented with severe pain and with reduced range of motion mainly on right side. Following thorough assessment patient was intervened with trigger point dry needling technique. The study revealed that the pain was reduced measured by NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), increasing the pain pressure threshold as measured by algometer and increase of ROM on right side. The improvement in the restricted range of motion of neck may be a consequence of the decrease in pain and improvement in muscle tone and elasticity after treatment. The results of the present case study can merely assist in providing initial insight for future examining the effectiveness of dry needling, which are currently lacking in the literature.

Keywords: Dry needling, trigger point, pain pressure threshold