Dry needling for headache pain can be very effective in reducing muscle tension to the neck and base of the skull. While this does not deal with the underlying problem of why the neck muscles are painful it can be very helpful as a treatment.
This post shows us a treatment to the upper neck for headache pain. To keep the treatment safe we identify and avoid important structures.
Following any dry needling treatment it is important to keep the muscles and area moving. Self massage can be helpful to the area. Soreness can occur but should not last more than a few hours. Contact your practitioner if your soreness lasts more than 12 hours.
This video shows our process in treating a common muscle trigger point using dry needling and electrical stimulation or TENS to enhance the effect.
Dry needling can be a very safe treatment option in the hands of a skilled practitioner. While complications are rare lung punctures and other injuries do occur. Here is a video of a real patient and dry needling treatment using imaging to improve safety.