Dry needling for mechanical neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Dry needling (DN) has emerged as a potential treatment for mechanical neck pain, but the evidence remains inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of DN in improving pain and functionality in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched from December 2013 to January 2024. Studies involving adult participants with chronic mechanical neck pain treated with DN were included in the study. The primary outcomes were pain pressure threshold (PPT), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical range of motion. Statistical analysis used a random-effect model.

Nine RCTs with a total of 540 participants were included in the study. DN significantly improved the PPT with an MD of 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.65; P < 0.001). NDI also showed a significant improvement, with an MD of -0.68 (95% CI, -1.32--0.05; P = 0.04). In terms of cervical range of motion, DN improved flexion (MD 4.07, 95% CI, 0.39-7.75; P = 0.03) and right rotation (MD 8.20, 95% CI, 3.05-13.35; P = 0.002), but no significant differences were observed in extension, left rotation, or lateral flexions (P > 0.05).

DN appears effective in short-term pain relief and functional outcomes for patients with mechanical neck pain but shows limited impact on the cervical range of motion.