Effectiveness of Dry Needling in People With Episodic Tension-type Headache

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.