Effectiveness of Dry Needling in People With Episodic Tension-type Headache (NCT05493098) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownNot Applicable
Effectiveness of Dry Needling in People With Episodic Tension-type Headache
36 participantsStarted 2023-06-30
Plain-language summary
Tension-type headache is a widespread disorder, with a lifetime prevalence in the general population ranging between 30% and 78%. Tension-type headache also places a financial burden on society and individuals. Myofascial pain can reduce the range of motion and patterns of muscle activation and play an important role in tension-type headache. Based on the previous studies, dry needling can reduce local and referred pain, increase range of motion and improve patterns of muscle activation in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. The effectiveness of dry needling in patients with tension-type headache is not fully known.
Objective: The aim of this study will be to investigate the effectiveness of dry needling on pain, active range of motion, functional disability, and frequency of headache in patients with episodic tension-type headache.
Method: This study will be a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Thirty-six patients with episodic tension-type headache will be randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (dry needling and routine physical therapy) and the control group (sham dry needling and routine physical therapy). The primary outcomes will be pain intensity and active range of motion of the craniocervical region. Functional disability and frequency of headache will be considered secondary outcomes. Outcomes will be assessed before and one week after the intervention.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Diagnosis of CTTH based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition
. At least one active trigger point in each of the muscles of the sub occipital, sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, temporalis, levator scapula, masseter, frontalis, and splenius cervicis and capitis
. Moderate pain intensity from 30 to 60 based on the numeric pain rating scale
Exclusion criteria
. Needle phobia
. History of surgery on head, neck, and shoulder
. pregnancy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Pain level
Timeframe: Change between baseline and one week after intervention.
2
Active craniocervical range of motion
Timeframe: Change between baseline and one week after intervention.