Effects of upper trapezius active trigger points dry needling on postural control and clinical signs in women with chronic non-specific neck pain (a single blind randomized clinical trial)

Inclusion criteria:

Age range from 18-35 years History of neck pain in the last 3 months Presence of neck pain at least 3 and not more than 6 based on visual analogue scale during last week Presence of at last 3 active trigger points in upper Trapezius muscle, based on Simons et al criteria: 1) presence of palpable taut band 2) presence of hyperirritable spots in a taut band based on participants' history 3) presence of referral pain in a specific pattern during compression or stretch 4) Patient’s recognition of current pain complaint by pressure on the tender nodule 5) jump sign during palpation of spot

Exclusion criteria:

History of cervical spine or upper limb surgery during the last year History of traumatic injuries in cervical region including fracture, wiplash during the last year Presence of radiculopathic signs Presence of pain in hip, knee & ankle during the last 3 months Presence of neurological disorders including Neuropathy, Myopathy, Parkinson & Cerebellar lesion Presence of vestibular disorders Presence of uncorrected visual & hearing disorders Presence of acute cognitive disorders ( result number < 23 from MMSE questionnaire) Presence of acute psychopathy (based on acquired number from DASS-21 questionnaire) History of rheumatic disorders History of fibromyalgia syndrome based on Rheumatology faculty of USA (1990) History of coagulopathy Pregnancy Diabetes History of any treatment or injection of trigger points during the last 3 months Visible severe postural disorders including kyphosis or scoliosis Skin infection or inflammation History of anti coagulant or immuno suppressive drugs Fear of needle

Target sample size: 30