A randomized trial of trigger point dry needling versus sham needling for chronic tension-type headache.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial, we aimed to explore the effectiveness of trigger point dry needling in patients with chronic tension-type headache in reducing headache frequency, intensity and duration, and improvement of health-related quality of life.

Methods

The 168 patients in 2 neurology clinics with chronic tension-type headache. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups for dry needling or sham dry needling, delivered in 3 sessions a week for 2 weeks. The 160 patients fulfilled the study requirements. The dry needling was applied in active trigger points located in the musculature of the head and the neck. The patients received dry needling using sterile stainless-steel acupuncture needles of 0.25 × 40 mm

SUBMITTER: Gildir S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6408118 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature