The 'dry-needle technique': intramuscular stimulation in tension-type headache

Karakurum, B.

Karaalin, O.

Coskun, O.

Dora, B.

Ucler, S.

Inan, L.

Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache

2001

21(8)

813-817

RCT

Acu Versus Sham

Acupuncture

Dry Needling

Fixed Acupuncture Protocol

Penetrating Sham

RCT

Restricted Modalities, Acupuncture Only

Superficial Needling Depth

Tension-Type Headache

Trigger Point Acupuncture Style

Verum Acupoint Control

Headache Disorders

The 'dry-needle technique', an intramuscular stimulation technique carried out by using a fine solid, 1-inch long, 30-gauge needle, was investigated in the treatment of tension-type headache (TTH) in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fifteen patients with TTH received intramuscular needle insertions into six designated trigger points, while 15 controls received subcutaneous insertions. Headache indices, muscle tenderness and neck ROMs were evaluated before and after treatment. Mean headache indices improved significantly after treatment, both in the treatment group and in the placebo group, but the difference between the two groups was insignificant. In the treatment group the tenderness score and the neck ROM limitation score were significantly improved after treatment, while there was no significant improvement in the placebo group. We conclude that more and larger controlled, comparative trials are needed to show whether the dry-needle technique is an effective non-pharmacological alternative for the treatment of TTH

Headache Disorders

1/WK

30

4 Weeks