Efficacy of the Use of Dry Needling in Conventional Non-invasive Treatment of Acute and Subacute Whiplash

Efficacy of the Use of Dry Needling in Conventional Non-invasive Treatment of Acute and Subacute Whiplash

INTRODUCTION: Whiplash is an injury produced by an acceleration-deceleration mechanism that transmits energy to the cervical spine. According to the bibliography, the conservative treatment (motor control exercises and manual therapy) has shown benefits in approaching this lesion, but its efficacy is limited. Dry needling has already shown its usefulness in different musculoskeletal pathologies, however, its efficacy is unknown when it is included in conservative treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to assess the effects of the incorporation of dry needling in the conventional treatment with manual therapy and motor control exercises, compared to the conventional non-invasive treatment in patients with acute or subacute whiplash.

HYPOTHESIS: The inclusion of dry needling in conventional non-invasive treatment is more effective than conventional non-invasive treatment in patients with acute or subacute whiplash.

METHODS: A randomized clinical trial will be conducted in which the subjects of study will be assigned to two groups, a control group (conventional treatment) and an experimental group (conventional treatment and dry needling).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Medical Diagnosis of Whiplash Grade I-II in the QTF
• Neck Pain
• Whiplash in Acute or Subacute Phase

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Belonephobia
• Cervical Fractures-Dislocations or Neurological Deficit Secondaries to Accident
• Previous Surgery of the Cervical Spine
• Circulatory Disease, Respiratory Disease, Neurological Disease, Rheumatologic Disease and Mental Illness
• Athletes