Introduction: Acute facet joint lock induced wry neck (AFJL-WN) is common among adult population and it is primarily managed by medications and physiotherapy. However, the immediate recovery from pain and movements restriction caused by AFJL-WN is not documented in favour of existing interventions.
Aim: To evaluate the immediate effects of paraspinal dry needling (PSDN) on acute neck pain and movement deficit in patients with AFJL-WN.
Materials and methods: A total of 21 patients with AFJL-WN were treated with single session of PSDN for 12-15 minutes. The Visual Analog Scale (0-100mm) and Hand Held Goniometer were used to assess the immediate, 24 hours and 1 week follow-up neck pain and cervical spine's range of motion respectively. The mean and standard deviation was used to make inferences.
Results: Immediately after PSDN the pain score was reduced and cervical spine range of motion have improved. The 24 hours and 1 week follow-up pain and range of motion scores have shown the sustained improvement without deteriorations.
Conclusion: PSDN is effective method to achieve pain free neck movements in patients with AFJL-WN.
Keywords: Dry needling; Intramuscular stimulation; Torticolis.