Acupuncture Plus Dry Needling, an Effective Treatment Method for Chronic Neck Pain

Abstract

Background: In recent years, acupuncture has attracted much attention as a complementary therapy in the management of chronic neck pain, but the definite effect of this method has not yet been proven in reducing pain and improving function. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of acupuncture plus dry needling in relieving chronic neck pain and its lasting effects for up to 3 months after treatment. Patients and Methods: Thirty-eight patients with chronic neck pain were included in this study. Each patient received 10 minutes of acupuncture in two forms (acupoints and trigger point needling), twice a week for 6 weeks. The acupoints were GB20, GB21, BL10, BL12, BL 18, DU14, SI11, and SI13. Simultaneously, trigger points in trapezius muscles also took needle. The neck disability index (NDI) and neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) questionnaires were completed by the patients before performing intervention and again at 6 weeks and 3 months after the intervention, and the obtained data were statistically analyzed. Results: Mean NPDS score upon admission was 56.3 ± 16.1, which dropped to 20.9 ± 19.4 at the end of 6 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). At the end of 3 months, the score reached 20.3 ± 26.6; although recovery was significant compared to the start of treatment, it was not significant compared to the end of 6 weeks (P = 0.84). Mean NDI score at pre-intervention was 20.3 ± 7.5, which reduced to 7.3 ± 6.7 after 6 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). After 3 months, it decreased to 5.9 ± 8.4; and although recovery was significant (P < 0.001) compared to the time of admission, it was not statistically significant compared to the end of 6 weeks of treatment (P = 0.27). Conclusions: Acupuncture plus dry needling is an effective short- as well as mid-term treatment method for chronic neck pain. The result of this study seems to be the cornerstone of further researches, which evaluate the new effective treatments for chronic neck pain.