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the Study Aim to Evaluate the Combined Therapeutic Effects of Dry Needling and Phonophoresis on Myofascial Trigger Points in Patient Suffering From Cervical Spine Postural Deviations. it Focuses on How These Interventions Help Reduce Pain, Relieve Muscle Spasm and Improve Functional Outcomes.

NCT07601880 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-05-22

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Postural deviations of the cervical spine, particularly forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordosis, are increasingly common in individuals with prolonged use of computers, mobile phones, and poor sitting posture. These deviations lead to muscular imbalances where weak deep cervical stabilizers coexist with tight, overactive muscles such as the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid. The biomechanical consequences include excessive stress on cervical joints, impaired proprioception, reduced cervical range of motion, and a predisposition to chronic neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and even temporomandibular disorders.

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius are frequently implicated in these conditions, contributing to pain, stiffness, and sensorimotor dysfunction. Trigger points are characterized by taut muscle bands, localized hypoxia, biochemical mediators of pain, and neuromuscular hyperexcitability. Treatments such as dry needling (DN) aim to mechanically disrupt this pain-spasm cycle by reducing motor end plate irritability and sympathetic overactivity, whereas phonophoresis (PH) enhances trans-dermal absorption of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs using ultrasound, providing a non-invasive alternative for pain management.

Given the high prevalence of cervical postural deviations and the burden of associated pain and disability, there is a need to identify the most effective intervention for MTrPs in this population. This study, therefore, proposes a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of dry needling and phonophoresis on pain, cervical range of motion, and postural correction in patients with FHP and altered cervical lordosis. The findings aim to guide clinicians in selecting evidence-based treatments to optimize outcomes for patients with cervical spine abnormalities.

Study Design: Randomized Control Trial No of groups: 40 (men and women aged 20-55 year) 20 receiving phonophoresis and 20 receiving Dry Needling.

Outcomes:

1. Reduction in Neck Pain
2. Cervical Range of Motion

Conditions

  • Trigger Points, Myofascial
  • Cervical Postural Deviation

Interventions

RADIATION

Group 2

* Diclofenac Sodium medication will be used with ultrasound. * Ultrasound waves with 1.2 w/cm intensity 60 percent duty cycle will be applied by a Pulsed 1 MHz ultrasound unit for 5 minutes on MTPs Baseline Treatment is stretching

PROCEDURE

Group 1

•0.25 × 40 millimeter sterilized needle, We will insert the steralized needle into subcutaneous tissue in a position perpendicular to muscle. The needle tip will be inserted into the muscle until a local twitch response is elicited. The same point will be needled for about 60 seconds by rapid inward and outward needle movements Baseline Treatment is stretching

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Umber Nawaz · UBAS

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
20 Years
Max Age
70 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-01-25
Primary Completion
2026-05-15
Completion
2026-05-15

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07601880 on ClinicalTrials.gov