Testing a sham dry needle for the cervical spine in healthy adults: a randomised controlled trial.

INTERVENTION: There are two parts to this trial. Both parts will follow the exact same methods protocol, however the populations studied will be slightly different. Part 1 will look at a healthy adult population (i.e. no headache diagnosis) with a no previous needling exposure (acupuncture or dry needling). Part 2 will look at a healthy adult population, and who have had needling previously. Each part will recruit 50 participants. Participants will be randomly allocated to either receive a single dry needling needle or a sham needle (toothpick) in the back of their neck. Dry needling will be applied by a qualified physiotherapist. A single‐use sterile needle (50mm long with 0.25‐0.30mm gauge) will be inserted superficially only (5‐10mm) into a muscle in the back of the neck. The needle will remain in position for 10‐15 seconds and needle will not be manipulated within this time. Participants will then be asked whether they think they had the needle or the sham needle. The total appointment time for each participant will be around 10 minutes. Participants need only present for the study on this one occasion. CONDITION: Cervicogenic headache Tension‐type headache PRIMARY OUTCOME: Whether participants can identify if they had the needle or the sham needle. This will be assessed by asking the question: "Do you think you had the needle or the sham?". SECONDARY OUTCOME: Qualitative information about why the participant thought they had the needle or sham needle, and a description of what they felt. Two questions will be asked to obtain this information. Question 1: "You thought you had the needle/sham. Why do you think you had the needle/sham?". Question 2: "Can you briefly describe what you felt?". INCLUSION CRITERIA: Inclusion Criteria (part 1): Healthy adults (no headaches) No previous exposure to needling therapy Aged 18‐65 years Males & Females Sufficient English to understand the purpose of the trial, give informed consent and to complete outcome measures Inclusion Criteria (part 2): Healthy adults (no headaches) Previous needling therapy exposure Aged 18‐65 years Males & Females Sufficient English to understand the purpose of the trial, give informed consent and to complete outcome measures