Electric stimulation or dry needling for long-term neck pain
Treatments studied
Part of Bones, joints & muscles, Pain clinical trials.
This trial compares two treatments for neck pain that has lasted more than a few weeks. One uses small electric pulses (TENS), and the other uses thin needles (dry needling) to release muscle knots (trigger points). It aims to find which helps reduce pain and improve movement.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have had neck pain for at least 2 weeks (but no more than 4) and it has been going on for a while, or you have had neck pain for a long time (chronic).
- You are between 20 and 40 years old.
- You have at least one painful knot (trigger point) in your upper shoulder muscle (upper trapezius) that hurts when pressed and may cause pain elsewhere.
- You have not had trigger point injections or physical therapy for your neck in the last 6 months.
- You do not have certain serious spine problems, like a herniated disc, advanced arthritis, or nerve issues in your neck.
- You do not have conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, or heart disease.
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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