Mechanical Neck PainNCT07368517
Dry Needling for Mechanical Neck Pain
A study testing Dry Needling with Exercise and Conventional Physiotherapy with Exercise in people with Mechanical Neck Pain and Neck Pain, run by Deraya University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
Mechanical neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among adults. It is characterized by pain and stiffness in the cervical region, often related to poor posture, repetitive movements, or prolonged sitting. The condition can lead to functional limitations and decreased quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Mechanical Neck Pain, Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Disorders
- What is being tested?
- Dry Needling with Exercise and Conventional Physiotherapy with Exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 5 Oct 2025to 15 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Medically stable individuals who provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
- Age between 25 and 65 years.
- Both male and female participants.
- Patients diagnosed with mechanical neck pain lasting more than three months.
- Presence of myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius or cervical muscles confirmed by palpation.
- Ability to follow treatment instructions and attend all scheduled sessions.
Who cannot join
- History of neck surgery or cervical spine fracture.
- Previous dry needling or invasive therapy for neck pain in the past six months.
- History of neurological disorders (e.g., cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy).
- Current acute infection, skin disease, or open wound in the neck or shoulder region.
- Use of anticoagulant medication or any bleeding disorder.
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
- Any systemic illness (e.g., diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis) that may affect healing or pain perception.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Egypt1 site
faculty of physical therapy, Deraya University
Minya, Menia Governorate
About this study
Official title: Effect of Dry Needling in the Treatment of Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain
Mechanical neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among adults. It is characterized by pain and stiffness in the cervical region, often related to poor posture, repetitive movements, or prolonged sitting. The condition can lead to functional limitations and decreased quality of life.
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling therapy on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional ability in patients with mechanical neck pain. Forty participants aged 25 - 65 years will be randomly assigned to two groups. Group A will receive dry needling combined with neck exercises, while Group B will receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, and the same neck exercise program. Both groups will undergo treatment three times per week for four weeks.
Primary outcomes include changes in the Neck Disability Index (NDI), pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by algometer, and cervical range of motion (CROM). The study will determine whether dry needling provides superior clinical improvement compared with conventional electrotherapy and exercise.
Read the detailed description
Mechanical neck pain (MNP) affects a large proportion of adults between 25 and 65 years of age. It is commonly associated with sustained poor posture, repetitive movement, or prolonged sitting, leading to muscular tightness and joint stiffness in the cervical region. Patients typically present with pain, limited cervical mobility, and decreased ability to perform daily activities.
Dry needling is a minimally invasive technique that involves inserting fine monofilament needles into myofascial trigger points to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate pain. It is increasingly used in physiotherapy practice as a targeted intervention for musculoskeletal pain conditions. By releasing taut muscle bands, dry needling is believed to normalize muscle tone and restore normal movement patterns.
The current randomized controlled trial is designed to assess the effectiveness of dry needling combined with therapeutic exercise compared with conventional physiotherapy including TENS, ultrasound, and the same exercise regimen. Forty participants with mechanical neck pain will be randomly allocated into two equal groups (n = 20 per group).
Group A (Experimental): Dry needling will be applied to the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles under aseptic technique. Each needle will be inserted 5 - 10 mm deep and retained for approximately 30 seconds. This intervention will be combined with a neck exercise program consisting of chin-in exercises (3 sets × 10 repetitions, 5-second hold) and a muscle-energy technique for the upper trapezius (3 repetitions per side, 5 - 10 second holds).
Group B (Active Comparator): Participants will receive TENS at 80 - 100 Hz frequency, 100 µs pulse duration for 20 minutes, and pulsed ultrasound at 1 MHz, 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² for 5 minutes. The same chin-in and muscle-energy exercise protocol will be applied.
Both groups will receive three sessions per week for four weeks. Assessments will include:
Pain and disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) using a handheld algometer.
Cervical range of motion (CROM) using a cervical range-of-motion device.
Outcomes will be recorded at baseline and after four weeks of treatment. It is hypothesized that dry needling will produce greater reductions in pain and disability and larger improvements in cervical motion compared with conventional therapy.
- Being tested
- Dry Needling with Exercise, Conventional Physiotherapy with Exercise
- Keywords
- Mechanical Neck Pain, Dry Needling, Myofascial Trigger Points, Cervical Spine, Cervical Range of Motion, Physical Therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dry Needling with ExerciseOther
Manual therapy procedure using sterile, single-use needles inserted into the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles for approximately 30 seconds to reduce trigger point activity. Combined with neck exercises (chin-in and muscle-energy technique).
Administered three times per week for four weeks.
Conventional Physiotherapy with ExerciseOther
Standard physiotherapy treatment consisting of TENS (80-100 Hz, 100 µs, 20 min) and ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.0-1.5 W/cm², 5 min) combined with neck exercises (chin-in and muscle-energy technique).
Administered three times per week for four weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Needling with Exercise | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive dry needling to the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles under aseptic conditions. Needles will be inserted 5-10 mm deep and held for approximately 30 seconds, then discarded.
This intervention will be combined with a neck exercise program including chin-in exercises (3 sets × 10 repetitions, 5-second holds) and a muscle energy technique (3 repetitions per side, holding 5-10 seconds).
Sessions: three per week for four weeks. Receives: Other: Dry Needling with Exercise |
| Conventional Physiotherapy with Exercise | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive conventional physiotherapy including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at 80-100 Hz, 100 µs pulse duration for 20 minutes, and pulsed ultrasound at 1 MHz, 1.0-1.5 W/cm² for 5 minutes.
The same exercise program will be applied (chin-in and muscle-energy technique).
Sessions: three per week for four weeks. Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy with Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Neck Disability Index (NDI)
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a 10-item self-reported questionnaire used to assess how mechanical neck pain affects daily activities. Each item is scored from 0 to 5, and total scores are converted to a percentage, with higher values indicating greater disability. It is a valid and reliable tool for monitoring functional improvement after physiotherapy interventions.
Measured: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) will be measured using a digital algometer. It represents the minimum pressure that elicits pain and provides an objective assessment of muscle tenderness and trigger point sensitivity. Higher values indicate reduced pain sensitivity. Measurements will be taken over the upper trapezius muscle in kg/cm².
Measured: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
Change in Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) will be assessed using a CROM device that quantifies cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Measurements will be taken in degrees. The device provides objective and reproducible data on cervical spine mobility and is used to evaluate the effect of treatment on movement limitations.
Measured: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Jan 2026
- Study start5 Oct 2025
- Primary completion1 Dec 2025
- Study completion15 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (11)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Mechanical Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups. Group A will receive dry needling with neck exercises, and Group B will receive TENS, ultrasound, and neck exercises. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for four weeks.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Deraya University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07368517
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Dry Needling
- Status last verified
- May 2018
- First submitted
- 16 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Ebadi, S., Ansari, N. N., Naghdi, S., & Jalaie, S. (2018). The effect of therapeutic ultrasound on neck pain: A systematic review. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 44(3), 566-576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.11.014
Audette I, Dumas JP, Cote JN, De Serres SJ. Validity and between-day reliability of the cervical range of motion (CROM) device. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010 May;40(5):318-23. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2010.3180.
PubMed 20436238Tousignant-Laflamme, Y., Boutin, A., Dion, A. M., & Vallée, C. A. (2017). Reliability and criterion validity of two applications of the cervical range of motion device. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 33(2), 140-150. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2016.1271845
Vaegter HB, Handberg G, Graven-Nielsen T. Similarities between exercise-induced hypoalgesia and conditioned pain modulation in humans. Pain. 2014 Jan;155(1):158-167. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.09.023. Epub 2013 Sep 26.
PubMed 24076045Walton DM, Macdermid JC, Nielson W, Teasell RW, Chiasson M, Brown L. Reliability, standard error, and minimum detectable change of clinical pressure pain threshold testing in people with and without acute neck pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011 Sep;41(9):644-50. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2011.3666. Epub 2011 Sep 1.
PubMed 21885906Vernon H. The Neck Disability Index: state-of-the-art, 1991-2008. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Sep;31(7):491-502. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.08.006.
PubMed 18803999Navarro-Santana MJ, Sanchez-Infante J, Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Cleland JA, Martin-Casas P, Plaza-Manzano G. Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Myofascial Trigger Points Associated with Neck Pain Symptoms: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2020 Oct 14;9(10):3300. doi: 10.3390/jcm9103300.
PubMed 33066556Liu L, Huang QM, Liu QG, Ye G, Bo CZ, Chen MJ, Li P. Effectiveness of dry needling for myofascial trigger points associated with neck and shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 May;96(5):944-55. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2014.12.015. Epub 2015 Jan 7.
PubMed 25576642Gross AR, Paquin JP, Dupont G, Blanchette S, Lalonde P, Cristie T, Graham N, Kay TM, Burnie SJ, Gelley G, Goldsmith CH, Forget M, Santaguida PL, Yee AJ, Radisic GG, Hoving JL, Bronfort G; Cervical Overview Group. Exercises for mechanical neck disorders: A Cochrane review update. Man Ther. 2016 Aug;24:25-45. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.04.005. Epub 2016 Apr 20.
PubMed 27317503Blanpied PR, Gross AR, Elliott JM, Devaney LL, Clewley D, Walton DM, Sparks C, Robertson EK. Neck Pain: Revision 2017. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Jul;47(7):A1-A83. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.0302.
PubMed 28666405Cote P, Wong JJ, Sutton D, Shearer HM, Mior S, Randhawa K, Ameis A, Carroll LJ, Nordin M, Yu H, Lindsay GM, Southerst D, Varatharajan S, Jacobs C, Stupar M, Taylor-Vaisey A, van der Velde G, Gross DP, Brison RJ, Paulden M, Ammendolia C, David Cassidy J, Loisel P, Marshall S, Bohay RN, Stapleton J, Lacerte M, Krahn M, Salhany R. Management of neck pain and associated disorders: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Eur Spine J. 2016 Jul;25(7):2000-22. doi: 10.1007/s00586-016-4467-7. Epub 2016 Mar 16.
PubMed 26984876
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Dry Needling in the Treatment of Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07368517
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Dry Needling
- Keywords
- Mechanical Neck Pain, Dry Needling, Myofascial Trigger Points, Cervical Spine, Cervical Range of Motion, Physical Therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Deraya UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 26 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Mechanical neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among adults. It is characterized by pain and stiffness in the cervical region, often related to poor posture, repetitive movements, or prolonged sitting. The condition can lead to functional limitations and decreased quality of life.
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling therapy on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional ability in patients with mechanical neck pain. Forty participants aged 25 - 65 years will be randomly assigned to two groups. Group A will receive dry needling combined with neck exercises, while Group B will receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, and the same neck exercise program. Both groups will undergo treatment three times per week for four weeks.
Primary outcomes include changes in the Neck Disability Index (NDI), pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by algometer, and cervical range of motion (CROM). The study will determine whether dry needling provides superior clinical improvement compared with conventional electrotherapy and exercise.
Detailed description
Mechanical neck pain (MNP) affects a large proportion of adults between 25 and 65 years of age. It is commonly associated with sustained poor posture, repetitive movement, or prolonged sitting, leading to muscular tightness and joint stiffness in the cervical region. Patients typically present with pain, limited cervical mobility, and decreased ability to perform daily activities.
Dry needling is a minimally invasive technique that involves inserting fine monofilament needles into myofascial trigger points to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate pain. It is increasingly used in physiotherapy practice as a targeted intervention for musculoskeletal pain conditions. By releasing taut muscle bands, dry needling is believed to normalize muscle tone and restore normal movement patterns.
The current randomized controlled trial is designed to assess the effectiveness of dry needling combined with therapeutic exercise compared with conventional physiotherapy including TENS, ultrasound, and the same exercise regimen. Forty participants with mechanical neck pain will be randomly allocated into two equal groups (n = 20 per group).
Group A (Experimental): Dry needling will be applied to the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles under aseptic technique. Each needle will be inserted 5 - 10 mm deep and retained for approximately 30 seconds. This intervention will be combined with a neck exercise program consisting of chin-in exercises (3 sets × 10 repetitions, 5-second hold) and a muscle-energy technique for the upper trapezius (3 repetitions per side, 5 - 10 second holds).
Group B (Active Comparator): Participants will receive TENS at 80 - 100 Hz frequency, 100 µs pulse duration for 20 minutes, and pulsed ultrasound at 1 MHz, 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² for 5 minutes. The same chin-in and muscle-energy exercise protocol will be applied.
Both groups will receive three sessions per week for four weeks. Assessments will include:
Pain and disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) using a handheld algometer.
Cervical range of motion (CROM) using a cervical range-of-motion device.
Outcomes will be recorded at baseline and after four weeks of treatment. It is hypothesized that dry needling will produce greater reductions in pain and disability and larger improvements in cervical motion compared with conventional therapy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups. Group A will receive dry needling with neck exercises, and Group B will receive TENS, ultrasound, and neck exercises. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for four weeks.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Needling with Exercise | Experimental | Other: Dry Needling with ExerciseParticipants in this group will receive dry needling to the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles under aseptic conditions. Needles will be inserted 5-10 mm deep and held for approximately 30 seconds, then discarded. This intervention will be combined with a neck exercise program including chin-in exercises (3 sets × 10 repetitions, 5-second holds) and a muscle energy technique (3 repetitions per side, holding 5-10 seconds). Sessions: three per week for four weeks. |
| Conventional Physiotherapy with Exercise | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Physiotherapy with ExerciseParticipants in this group will receive conventional physiotherapy including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at 80-100 Hz, 100 µs pulse duration for 20 minutes, and pulsed ultrasound at 1 MHz, 1.0-1.5 W/cm² for 5 minutes. The same exercise program will be applied (chin-in and muscle-energy technique). Sessions: three per week for four weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Medically stable individuals who provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
- Age between 25 and 65 years.
- Both male and female participants.
- Patients diagnosed with mechanical neck pain lasting more than three months.
- Presence of myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius or cervical muscles confirmed by palpation.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- History of neck surgery or cervical spine fracture.
- Previous dry needling or invasive therapy for neck pain in the past six months.
- History of neurological disorders (e.g., cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy).
- Current acute infection, skin disease, or open wound in the neck or shoulder region.
- Use of anticoagulant medication or any bleeding disorder.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Needling with ExerciseManual therapy procedure using sterile, single-use needles inserted into the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles for approximately 30 seconds to reduce trigger point activity. Combined with neck exercises (chin-in and muscle-energy technique). Administered three times per week for four weeks. | Other | Dry Needling with Exercise |
| Conventional Physiotherapy with ExerciseStandard physiotherapy treatment consisting of TENS (80-100 Hz, 100 µs, 20 min) and ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.0-1.5 W/cm², 5 min) combined with neck exercises (chin-in and muscle-energy technique). Administered three times per week for four weeks. | Other | Conventional Physiotherapy with Exercise |
Primary outcome
Change in Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a 10-item self-reported questionnaire used to assess how mechanical neck pain affects daily activities. Each item is scored from 0 to 5, and total scores are converted to a percentage, with higher values indicating greater disability. It is a valid and reliable tool for monitoring functional improvement after physiotherapy interventions.
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) will be measured using a digital algometer. It represents the minimum pressure that elicits pain and provides an objective assessment of muscle tenderness and trigger point sensitivity. Higher values indicate reduced pain sensitivity. Measurements will be taken over the upper trapezius muscle in kg/cm².
Change in Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)
Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) will be assessed using a CROM device that quantifies cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Measurements will be taken in degrees. The device provides objective and reproducible data on cervical spine mobility and is used to evaluate the effect of treatment on movement limitations.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Jan 2026.
- BackgroundEbadi, S., Ansari, N. N., Naghdi, S., & Jalaie, S. (2018). The effect of therapeutic ultrasound on neck pain: A systematic review. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 44(3), 566-576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.11.014
- Background: PubMed 20436238Audette I, Dumas JP, Cote JN, De Serres SJ. Validity and between-day reliability of the cervical range of motion (CROM) device. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010 May;40(5):318-23. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2010.3180.
- BackgroundTousignant-Laflamme, Y., Boutin, A., Dion, A. M., & Vallée, C. A. (2017). Reliability and criterion validity of two applications of the cervical range of motion device. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 33(2), 140-150. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2016.1271845
- Background: PubMed 24076045Vaegter HB, Handberg G, Graven-Nielsen T. Similarities between exercise-induced hypoalgesia and conditioned pain modulation in humans. Pain. 2014 Jan;155(1):158-167. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.09.023. Epub 2013 Sep 26.
- Background: PubMed 21885906Walton DM, Macdermid JC, Nielson W, Teasell RW, Chiasson M, Brown L. Reliability, standard error, and minimum detectable change of clinical pressure pain threshold testing in people with and without acute neck pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011 Sep;41(9):644-50. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2011.3666. Epub 2011 Sep 1.
- Background: PubMed 18803999Vernon H. The Neck Disability Index: state-of-the-art, 1991-2008. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Sep;31(7):491-502. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.08.006.
- Background: PubMed 33066556Navarro-Santana MJ, Sanchez-Infante J, Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Cleland JA, Martin-Casas P, Plaza-Manzano G. Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Myofascial Trigger Points Associated with Neck Pain Symptoms: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2020 Oct 14;9(10):3300. doi: 10.3390/jcm9103300.
- Background: PubMed 25576642Liu L, Huang QM, Liu QG, Ye G, Bo CZ, Chen MJ, Li P. Effectiveness of dry needling for myofascial trigger points associated with neck and shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 May;96(5):944-55. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2014.12.015. Epub 2015 Jan 7.
- Background: PubMed 27317503Gross AR, Paquin JP, Dupont G, Blanchette S, Lalonde P, Cristie T, Graham N, Kay TM, Burnie SJ, Gelley G, Goldsmith CH, Forget M, Santaguida PL, Yee AJ, Radisic GG, Hoving JL, Bronfort G; Cervical Overview Group. Exercises for mechanical neck disorders: A Cochrane review update. Man Ther. 2016 Aug;24:25-45. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.04.005. Epub 2016 Apr 20.
- Background: PubMed 28666405Blanpied PR, Gross AR, Elliott JM, Devaney LL, Clewley D, Walton DM, Sparks C, Robertson EK. Neck Pain: Revision 2017. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Jul;47(7):A1-A83. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.0302.
- Background: PubMed 26984876Cote P, Wong JJ, Sutton D, Shearer HM, Mior S, Randhawa K, Ameis A, Carroll LJ, Nordin M, Yu H, Lindsay GM, Southerst D, Varatharajan S, Jacobs C, Stupar M, Taylor-Vaisey A, van der Velde G, Gross DP, Brison RJ, Paulden M, Ammendolia C, David Cassidy J, Loisel P, Marshall S, Bohay RN, Stapleton J, Lacerte M, Krahn M, Salhany R. Management of neck pain and associated disorders: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Eur Spine J. 2016 Jul;25(7):2000-22. doi: 10.1007/s00586-016-4467-7. Epub 2016 Mar 16.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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MECHANICAL BACK PAIN
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Dry Needling with Exercise and Conventional Physiotherapy with Exercise in people with Mechanical Neck Pain and Neck Pain, run by Deraya University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Neck Disability Index (NDI) (time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07368517, which also lists 11 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Jan 2026.