Dry Needling for the Treatment of Tension-Type, Cervicogenic, or Migraine Headaches: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective Dry needling is a treatment technique used by clinicians to relieve symptoms in patients with tension-type headache (TTH), cervicogenic (CGH), or migraine. This systematic review’s main objective was assess the effectiveness of dry on pain intensity and related disability TTH, CGH, Methods Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PEDro, Web Science, Ovid, Allied Complementary Medicine Database/EBSCO, Cochrane Central Register Controlled Clinical Trials, Google Scholar, trial registries were searched until April 1, 2020, along reference lists eligible studies reviews. Randomized clinical trials observational that compared any other interventions for inclusion. Three reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, assessed risk bias. Random-effects meta-analyses performed produce pooled-effect estimates (Morris dppc2) their respective CIs. Results Of 2715 identified 11 randomized qualitative synthesis 9 meta-analysis. Only 4 high quality. Very low-quality evidence suggested not statistically better than improving short term TTH (SMD ?1.27, 95% CI = ?3.56 1.03, n 230), CGH ?0.41, ?4.69 3.87, 104), mixed (TTH migraine; SMD 0.03; ?0.42 0.48, 90). provided significantly greater improvement ?2.28, ?2.66 ?1.91, 160) ?0.72, ?1.09 ?0.34, 144). The results showed could improve frequency, health-related quality life, trigger point tenderness, cervical range motion CGH. Conclusions produces similar effects short-term relief, whereas seems be therapies term. Impact Although further high-methodological are warranted provide more robust conclusion, our review every 1 2 treated needling, patient will likely show decreased (number needed treat [NNT] 2; large effect) improved (NNT 1; very effect). In 3 exhibit 4; small 3; medium