Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling Targeting Rectus Capitus Posterior Major on Individuals With Headaches

Conditions

• Headache Disorders, Primary
• Headache, Cervicogenic

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - 65 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Interventions

• Dry needling — OTHER
  Each subject will receive two separate dry needle insertions targeting the rectus capitus posterior major. Method 1 will be 30 degrees (relative to the frontal plane) insertion angle toward the occiput. Method 2 will be 45 degrees (relative to the frontal plane) insertion angle toward the occiput.

Study Details

Headaches such as tension-type, migraine, and cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches are among the most common and disabling conditions worldwide. and are often associated with tight or sensitive muscles at the base of the skull, which can contribute to headaches. Dry needling involves inserting a very thin, sterile needle into tight muscle areas known as trigger points to relieve pain and muscle tension. When applied to the deep neck muscles, including those beneath the skull, dry needling may reduce headache symptoms. The suboccipital region contains important structures such as the vertebral artery, greater occipital nerve, and spinal cord, which requires precise needle placement to maintain safety. Many needling techniques used in this region have not been validated for accuracy or safety in living subjects. This study will use real-time ultrasound imaging to guide dry needling of the rectus capitis posterior major muscle and directly visualize nearby structures to minimize risk. The main goals of this research are to examine the effects of a single session of ultrasound-guided dry needling on headache symptoms and to confirm the safety, accuracy, and consistency of the proposed needling technique using ultrasound imaging.

Key Dates

Start date

Mar 1, 2026

Status verified

Mar 2026

Primary completion

Jun 1, 2026

Completion

Jun 1, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment

50 participants (estimated)

Allocation

NA

Intervention model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Arms

• Experimental: Dry needling

Primary Outcome Measure

Post-needling soreness [ Time Frame: 24-48 hours post-data collection ]

Central Contacts

• Gary A Kearns, PT, ScD
  12142448398
  [email protected]
• Jace A Brown, PT, PhD
  9406897716
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in Lubbock, TX

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