Comparing electrical stimulation and dry needling for short-term neck pain
Treatments studied
Part of Bones, joints & muscles, Pain clinical trials.
This study compares two non-needle treatments for recent neck pain: a mild electrical current applied to the skin (called TENS) versus a treatment where a thin needle is inserted into the painful muscle knot (dry needling). Both aim to relieve pain and improve movement.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are between 20 and 40 years old
- You have neck pain that has lasted about 2 to 4 weeks
- You have at least one tender 'trigger point' (a tight knot) in the upper shoulder/neck muscle
- You have not had a nerve problem, severe arthritis, or other serious neck conditions
- You have not had neck surgery, heart problems, or certain rheumatic or hormonal conditions
- You have not had physical therapy or trigger point injections in the past 6 months
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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