Dry needling neck muscles for cervicogenic headaches
Muscle trigger points cause pain, headaches and dysfunction. Dry needling of the neck muscles may improve headache symptoms.
Between 0.5-2.5% of the population may experience cervicogenic headaches (CGH). Muscle trigger points (MTPs) are defined as hypersensitive muscles that provoke pain with pressure. These MTPs are often implicated in tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches, cluster headaches and migraines.
This study sought to answer the question: does dry needling of the neck muscles improve the CGH symptoms?
This study included 16 participants; 33 years old on average; experiencing CGH more than once/week for more than 3 months. The participants must demonstrate active trigger points of the sternocleidomastoid (see picture) that reproduces their headache symptoms. A headache questionnaire was completed 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after a single dry needling treatment.
The researchers were able to significantly improve headache frequency, duration and intensity with a single session of dry needling. They hypothesized that dry needling improves muscle electrical conductivity, circulation and reduces central and local sensitization.
Due to the limited follow up (2 weeks after treatment), it is unknown if these improvements were maintained for a longer period of time.
Conclusion: Dry needling is a safe and effective intervention to address headache frequency, duration and disability.