Effectiveness of Dry Needling Therapy Versus Upper Cervical Spine Mobilization Technique on Pain, Neck Disability in Subject with Cervicogenic Headache among Young Population

Background: Cervicogenic headache is a chronic, unilateral neck pain originating from bony structures or neck soft tissues, often accompanied by restricted neck range of motion. Anesthetic blockades help alleviate discomfort and limit neck motion .Dry needling therapy is a therapeutic method using sterile filiform needles to trigger points in the skin, reducing pain and enhancing musculoskeletal performance. It encourages the body’s innate repair ability and blood flow, reducing discomfort. Upper cervical spine mobilization technique is a manual therapy used to upper cervical spine, treating ailments like vertigo, headaches, whiplash injuries, and neck pain. The aim of the study is to know the Effectiveness of dry needing therapy versus upper cervical spine mobilization technique on pain, disability and neck function in individual with cervicogenic headache among young population.  Methods: 30 cervicogenic headache subjects were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Neck disability index (NDI) is used identify pain, head and neck function and Range of motion is used measure the cervical spine range of motion. The subjects were divided into dry needling group (15 Subjects) and mobilization Group (15 Subjects). Dry needling group were treated with Dry needling therapy and mobilization Group treated with upper cervical spine mobilization.  Outcome Measures: Neck disability index, Neck ROM.  Result: Pre and post-test values were analysed and result suggested that Dry needling group have significant improvement than upper cervical spine mobilization group with p value <0.0001.  Conclusion: It is suggested that Dry needling therapy can be more effective for reducing the pain and improve cervical spine mobility.