2025 Dry Needling for Neck Pain Research
New Research Finds Dry Needling is Effective for Treating Mechanical Neck Pain
Ben, a 42-year-old NYC software engineer, never thought staring at a screen all day would lead to chronic pain. But months of long work hours and poor posture brought on persistent neck tightness that refused to go away—even after stretching, massage, and ergonomic upgrades. When his sleep and focus began to suffer, he finally decided it was time for something more targeted.
His doctor suggested dry needling—a technique using acupuncture needles to release muscular trigger points. But Ben wondered: Does it actually work?
A major 2025 systematic review now offers more answers.
The review highlights that dry needling is effective for mechanical neck pain, offering short-term improvements in pain sensitivity and function, supported by moderate-certainty evidence from recent clinical trials.
Key Points in 2025 Review for Neck Pain Treatments:
| Finding | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Dry needling significantly improves pressure pain threshold (PPT) | Suggests reduced muscular sensitivity in painful neck areas |
| Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores improved with treatment | Indicates better function and reduced disability |
| Flexion and right rotation improved | Modest but significant gains in specific movements |
| No significant improvements in extension or lateral flexion | Effects may be limited to certain directions of motion |
| Overall evidence supports short-term benefits | Especially for pain relief and functionality |
Dry Needling for Neck Pain
Study Overview
The 2025 review by Aleid et al. included nine randomized controlled trials with 540 adults suffering from chronic mechanical neck pain. Researchers focused on the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) in comparison to sham treatments, manual therapy, or standard care.
Primary Outcomes Measured:
Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT)
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Cervical Range of Motion (Flexion, Extension, Rotation, Lateral Flexion)
Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Study Results:
Effectiveness of Dry Needling vs. Control
| Outcome | Mean Difference (MD) | Confidence Interval | P-value | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPT (Pain Pressure Threshold) | +0.52 | 0.39–0.65 | <0.001 | Significant improvement |
| NDI (Disability Index) | -0.68 | -1.32 – -0.05 | 0.04 | Significant improvement |
| NPRS (Pain Rating) | -1.05 | -1.75 – -0.35 | 0.003 | Significant improvement |
Changes in Cervical Range of Motion:
| Movement | Mean Difference (degrees) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Flexion | +4.07 | ✅ Significant |
| Extension | +3.22 | ❌ Not significant |
| Right Rotation | +8.20 | ✅ Significant |
| Left Rotation | +4.39 | ❌ Not significant |
| Lateral Flexion (Right) | +1.91 | ❌ Not significant |
| Lateral Flexion (Left) | +1.44 | ❌ Not significant |
Study Strengths:
| Strength | Details |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive design | Included 540 participants across 9 trials |
| Robust outcomes | Examined both pain and function |
| Low heterogeneity in most outcomes | Suggests consistency across results for pain-related measures |
| PRISMA and Cochrane-guided protocol | High-quality systematic review standards |
Study Limitations:
| Limitation | Implication |
|---|---|
| High risk of bias in many studies | Weakens strength of some findings |
| Most data focused on short-term outcomes | Long-term effects still unclear |
| Limited data on range of motion | Not all movements showed benefit |
| Inconsistent baseline reporting | Gaps in patient symptom duration and functional scores |
Implications for Neck Pain Treatment
At Morningside Acupuncture in New York City, we frequently treat chronic mechanical neck pain—often in desk workers, athletes, or those recovering from whiplash injuries. This review supports what we see in practice:
Dry needling may help desensitize trigger points and improve short-term function
Combining DN with movement retraining or manual therapy enhances outcomes
DN is safe and well-tolerated when performed by trained professionals
How Dry Needling Compares to Other Treatments for Neck Pain:
| Treatment | Pain Relief | Function Improvement | Safety Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Small to Moderate | ⚠️ Limited |
| Exercise Therapy | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Moderate | ⚠️ Limited |
| Spinal Manipulation | ❌ Unclear | ❌ Minimal | ⚠️ Limited |
| Traction | ❌ None | ❌ None | ⚠️ Limited |
| Multidisciplinary Therapy | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Small | ⚠️ Limited |
| Psychological Therapy | ✅ Small | ❌ None | ⚠️ Limited |
How Dry Needling Compares to Other Treatments for Neck Pain
| Treatment | Pain Relief | Function Improvement | Motion Gains | Evidence Certainty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Needling | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Small to Moderate | ✅ Limited to Flexion/Rotation | Moderate |
| Manual Therapy | ✅ Variable | ✅ Small | ❌ Limited | Low–Moderate |
| Chiropractic | ✅ Variable | ❌ Minimal | ❌ Mixed evidence | Low |
| Massage | ✅ Temporary | ❌ Minimal | ❌ Unclear | Low |
| Medication | ✅ Short-term | ❌ No function improvement | ❌ None | Moderate (but risk of side effects) |
Final Thoughts
This new 2025 review adds valuable evidence that dry needling is an effective short-term treatment for chronic mechanical neck pain, especially when pain sensitivity and disability are the primary concerns. While gains in mobility are less predictable, DN remains a low-risk, high-reward tool—especially when integrated with active rehab and skilled manual care.
At Morningside Acupuncture, we combine traditional acupuncture, modern techniques like dry needling and electroacupuncture, and a collaborative, evidence-based approach to help our patients get back to doing what they love—pain-free.
Looking for relief from neck pain in NYC?
Book an appointment with the experts at Morningside Acupuncture, the top-rated acupuncture and dry needling clinic in New York City.
Let us help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
FAQ: Dry Needling for Neck Pain
Q: Does dry needling hurt?
A: Most people feel a brief twitch or ache, followed by relief. Discomfort is minimal and temporary. There may be post treatment soreness for up to 72 hours after treatment that resembles workout soreness.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Many patients notice improvement in 3–6 sessions, depending on severity and chronicity.
Q: Is dry needling safe?
A: Yes—when performed by trained professionals using sterile needles. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
Q: Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
A: Dry needling is a needling style that uses acupuncture needles to target muscular trigger points instead of traditional acupuncture points.
Sources:
Aleid AM, Aljabr AA, Aldanyowi SN, AlAidarous HA, Aleid ZM, Alharthi AS, Alsubaie MN, AlOraini LI, Almoslem AR, Al Mutair A. Dry needling for mechanical neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Surg Neurol Int. 2025 Feb 14;16:44. doi: 10.25259/SNI_797_2024. PMID: 40041055; PMCID: PMC11878734.
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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