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Manipulation and Dry Needling for Cervicogenic Headache

N/A

Recruiting

Led By James Dunning, PhD, DPT

Research Sponsored by Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Headache frequency of at least one per week since the whiplash injury

Headache intensity of greater than 2/10 on the NPRS

Must not have

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia

Two or more positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months

Awards & highlights

Summary

"This trial compares two different methods of treating patients with cervicogenic headaches caused by whiplash: non-thrust mobilization and exercise versus thrust manipulation and dry needling. The study aims to determine

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals with cervicogenic headaches, which are often caused by neck issues and can follow a whiplash injury (WAD II). Participants should have these specific types of headaches to qualify.

What is being tested?

The study compares two treatment methods for cervicogenic headaches: one combines non-thrust mobilization and exercise; the other uses thrust manipulation and dry needling. The goal is to see which strategy works better.

What are the potential side effects?

Possible side effects may include temporary soreness or bruising at the needle site from dry needling, discomfort from manipulation, or muscle soreness from exercises.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I have had headaches at least once a week since my whiplash injury.

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My headaches are more intense than a mild ache.

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I have ongoing neck pain and headaches from a car accident over 4 weeks ago.

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I have been diagnosed with headaches that originate from my neck.

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My neck pain is more than a 2 out of 10.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

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I have two or more signs of nerve damage due to pressure on my nerves.

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I have symptoms in both of my arms.

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I experience headaches on both sides of my head that feel like tension headaches.

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I have been diagnosed with or am showing signs of a concussion.

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I have had surgery on my head, neck, or upper back.

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My cancer has spread to my brain or spinal cord.

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I don't have any health issues that would prevent me from receiving spinal or dry needling treatments.

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I have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart issues.

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I have been diagnosed with narrowing of the spinal canal in my neck.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in Headache Intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, 0-10) (Rating Score)

Secondary study objectives

Change in Disability (Neck Disability Index, 0-50 points)

Change in Global Rating of Change Score for Headaches

Change in Global Rating of Change Score for Neck Pain

+5 more

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Dry Needling,Thrust ManipulationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Dry needling to the craniofacial, upper cervical, and cervicothoracic regions. High-velocity thrust manipulation to the upper cervical spine, mid/lower cervical spine, and cervicothoracic spinal regions.

Group II: Exercise,Non-thrust MobilizationActive Control1 Intervention

Nonthrust joint mobilization to the upper cervical spine, mid/lower cervical spine, and cervicothoracic spinal regions. Cranio-cervical flexion exercises, peri-scapular progressive resistance exercises, and electrothermal modalities

0 / 15Eligibility criteria met

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Alabama Physical Therapy & AcupunctureLead Sponsor

14 Previous Clinical Trials

2,059 Total Patients Enrolled

Universidad Rey Juan CarlosOTHER

127 Previous Clinical Trials

9,866 Total Patients Enrolled

James Dunning, PhD, DPTPrincipal InvestigatorAmerican Academy of Manipulative Therapy

~80 spots leftby May 2026

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