Needle depth may matter: study tests which dry needling technique eases neck pain best
NCT ID NCT07637552
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares deep and superficial dry needling for neck pain caused by muscle trigger points. Participants receive four sessions over two weeks. Researchers use ultrasound and muscle activity tests to measure changes in muscle thickness, stiffness, blood flow, and pain. The goal is to find out which technique works better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dry needling (deep or superficial)
- What this could lead to
- If one technique proves superior, it could lead to more effective, targeted treatment for neck pain caused by muscle trigger points.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 44 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Dry needling can cause temporary soreness or bruising.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for NECK PAIN are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Qatif Central Hospital
Dammam, Eastern Province, 32654, Saudi Arabia
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can targeted neck exercises outperform standard stretching?
- Can one injection beat back pain? a trial aims to find out
- Brain waves may hold key to neck pain relief
- Tiny electric needles: a new weapon against chronic neck pain?
- Can a gentle electric device ease chronic neck pain without drugs?
- AI as the first clinician: could symptom-checkers reshape spine care?