There is preliminary evidence suggesting that referred pain from active trigger points can play a relevant role in individuals with mechanical neck pain. Some studies have investigated the effectiveness of dry needling over the upper trapezius muscle in this population. However, other muscles, such as the scalene muscles, can be also relevant for neck pain symptoms. No study has investigated the effects of the application of dry needling over active trigger points in the scalenes muscles in a sample of patients with mechanical neck pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

Generalized neck-shoulder pain with symptoms provoked by neck postures, neck movement, or palpation of the cervical musculature

Exclusion Criteria:

• whiplash injury;
• previous cervical or thoracic surgery;
• cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy;
• diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome;
• having undergone physical therapy in the previous 6 months;
• less than 18 or greater than 45 years of age
• fear to needles
• any respiratory disease, e.g., chronic brochitis