Effectiveness of Dry Needling on Text Neck Syndrome


Authors : Vibha Atul Raibagkar; Dr. Vaishali Kale

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 7 - July


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4yv8n9r9

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul681

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.


Abstract : Introduction Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) results from prolonged forward head posture due to smartphone use, leading to neck pain and limited mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of dry needling on neck pain and function in individuals with TNS.  Methodology A pre-post experimental study was conducted on 50 participants aged 18–40 years with active upper trapezius trigger points. Pain and disability were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Northwick Park Questionnaire (NPQ) before and immediately after a single dry needling session.  Results The mean NPRS score reduced significantly from 6.64 to 3.88 (t = 17.73, p = 0.000), and the mean NPQ score decreased from 29.04 to 24.88 (t = 16.77, p = 0.000), indicating significant improvement in pain and neck function post-intervention.  Conclusion Dry needling produced immediate, statistically significant pain relief and functional improvement in patients with Text Neck Syndrome.

Keywords : Dry Needling, Text Neck Syndrome, Stretching, Neck Pain, Myofascial Trigger Points, Trapezitis.

References :

  1. Levangie PK, Norkin CC. Joint structure and function: a comprehensive analysis. FA Davis; 2011 Mar 9.
  2. Chaurasia BD. Human anatomy. New Delhi, India: CBS Publisher; 2004.
  3. Sathya P, Tamboli SA. Prevalence of text neck syndrome in young-adult population. Int J Med Exerc Sci. 2020 Jun;6:749-59.
  4. Kamaraj N, Rajasekar VD, Rangasamy S. A study on prevalence of text neck syndrome among under-graduate students of a medical college in Puducherry. Int J Community Med Public Health 2022;9:2919-22.
  5. Shinde S, Bhende R. Evidence based treatment strategies for “Text Neck Syndrome”: a review. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health. 2023 Mar 15;13(2):245-57.
  6. Sarraf F, Abbasi S, Varmazyar S. Self-management exercises intervention on text neck syndrome among university students using smartphones. Pain Management Nursing. 2023 Dec 1;24(6):595-602.
  7. Ziaeifar M, Arab AM, Karimi N, Nourbakhsh MR. The effect of dry needling on pain, pressure pain threshold and disability in patients with a myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. 2014 Apr 1;18(2):298-305
  8. Caramagno J, Adrian L, Mueller L, Purl J. Analysis of competencies for dry needling by physical therapists. Hum. Resouces Res. Organ. 2015 Jul 10;33:5-7.
  9. Cagnie B, Barbe T, De Ridder E, Van Oosterwijck J, Cools A, Danneels L. The influence of dry needling of the trapezius muscle on muscle blood flow and oxygenation. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics. 2012 Nov 1;35(9):685-91.
  10. Dr. Subhanjan Das, Illustrated Manual of Dry Needling, pg no. 8
  11.  Gonzalez T, Balsa A, de Murieta JS, Zamorano E, González I, Martin-Mola E. Spanish version of the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire: reliability and validity. Clinical and experimental rheumatology. 2001 Jan 1;19(1):41-6.    
  12. Young IA, Dunning J, Butts R, Mourad F, Cleland JA. Reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of the neck disability index and numeric pain rating scale in patients with mechanical neck pain without upper extremity symptoms. Physiotherapy theory and practice. 2019 Dec 2;35(12):1328-35.
  13. Neupane S, Ali U, Mathew A. Text neck syndrome-systematic review. Imperial journal of interdisciplinary research. 2017;3(7):141-8.
  14. Ziaeifar M, Arab AM, Mosallanezhad Z, Nourbakhsh MR. Dry needling versus trigger point compression of the upper trapezius: a randomized clinical trial with two-week and three-month follow-up. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2019 May 27;27(3):152-61.
  15. Viola DM. Negative health review of cell phones and social media. Journal of mental health and clinical psychology. 2021;5(1):7-18.
  16. Lee S, Lee IS, Chae Y. Similarities between Ashi acupoints and myofascial trigger points: Exploring the relationship between body surface treatment points. Frontiers in neuroscience. 2022 Nov 2;16:947884.
  17. Monti-Ballano S, Márquez-Gonzalvo S, Lucha-López MO, Ferrández-Laliena L, Vicente-Pina L, Sánchez-Rodríguez R, Tricás-Vidal HJ, Tricás-Moreno JM. Effects of dry needling on active myofascial trigger points and pain intensity in tension-type headache: a randomized controlled study. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2024 Mar 22;14(4):332.

Introduction Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) results from prolonged forward head posture due to smartphone use, leading to neck pain and limited mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of dry needling on neck pain and function in individuals with TNS.  Methodology A pre-post experimental study was conducted on 50 participants aged 18–40 years with active upper trapezius trigger points. Pain and disability were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Northwick Park Questionnaire (NPQ) before and immediately after a single dry needling session.  Results The mean NPRS score reduced significantly from 6.64 to 3.88 (t = 17.73, p = 0.000), and the mean NPQ score decreased from 29.04 to 24.88 (t = 16.77, p = 0.000), indicating significant improvement in pain and neck function post-intervention.  Conclusion Dry needling produced immediate, statistically significant pain relief and functional improvement in patients with Text Neck Syndrome.

Keywords : Dry Needling, Text Neck Syndrome, Stretching, Neck Pain, Myofascial Trigger Points, Trapezitis.

CALL FOR PAPERS


Paper Submission Last Date
31 - December - 2025

Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe