Therapeutic Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Acupressure Therapy Among Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

Therapeutic Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Acupressure Therapy Among Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a pre-test and post-test design will be conducted to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of Dry Needling (DN), Acupressure Therapy (AT), and their combination (DN + AT) against a control group receiving Hot Pack Therapy in patients diagnosed with Cervicogenic Headache (CH).

This study follows the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines to ensure methodological transparency and rigor. The trial design includes:

• Randomization: Participants will be randomly assigned into four study groups.
• Blinding: A single-blind approach will be used, where participants are unaware of their group allocation, while the researchers administering the intervention will be aware.
• Follow-up Period: Pre-assessment at baseline, post-intervention assessment, and 2-week follow-up.
• Data Analysis: Standardized assessment tools will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of each intervention.

Study Duration Total Duration: 1 year Intervention Period: 2 weeks Follow-Up: Pre-test, post-test, and 2-week follow-up Intervention Procedures

1. Group A (Dry Needling Therapy - DN)

   • 06 sessions over 2 weeks
   • Needling sites: Myofascial trigger points in cervical muscles
   • Session duration: 20-30 minutes
   • Post-treatment: Cryotherapy (5 minutes)

2. Group B (Acupressure Therapy - AT)

   • 06 sessions over 2 weeks
   • Pressure applied to cervical acupressure points
   • Post-treatment: Cryotherapy (10 minutes)

3. Group C (Combined Therapy - DN + AT)

   • 06 sessions over 2 weeks
   • Both DN and AT applied in sequence
   • Post-treatment: Cryotherapy (10-15 minutes)

4. Group D (Control - Hot Pack Therapy)

   • 06 sessions over 2 weeks
   • 15-minute heat therapy per session
   • No active intervention

Inclusion Criteria:

Male and female patients aged 20 to 50 years Diagnosed with Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) based on International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria Chronic CGH symptoms (i.e., persisting for at least 3 months) No previous dry needling (DN) or acupressure therapy (AT) within the last 6 months Able and willing to provide informed consent and comply with treatment and follow-up protocols

Exclusion Criteria: History of cervical spine surgery, significant trauma, or vertebral tumors/neoplasms Congenital spinal deformities (e.g., scoliosis, spina bifida) Diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, vestibular disorders, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, or cervical fractures Current use of anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or analgesics that may affect pain perception Diagnosed neurological, musculoskeletal, or orthopaedic conditions that affect balance, gait, or functional mobility Pregnancy (optional, often excluded in physiotherapy/dry needling trials)