ABSTRACT
Background/purpose: Chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH) have
a lifetime prevalence of 42% and account for more lost workdays than
migraine headaches. Dry needling is being increasingly used by physical
therapists in the management of CTTH; however, to date, the supporting
evidence is limited.
Case Description: The purpose of this case report was to
describe how three sessions of dry needling (DN) targeting myofascial
trigger points in the levator scapulae muscle and its distal enthesis
was used to treat a 63-year-old male patient who presented with
work-related CTTH associated with levator scapulae syndrome (LSS).
Outcome: The patient was treated for five visits over the
course of two months. At discharge and 6-month follow-up, the patient
reported full resolution of symptoms. Self-report outcomes included the
numeric pain rating scale and the neck disability index.
Discussion: The use of DN to the levator scapulae muscle and
its distal enthesis may be a valuable addition to a multi-modal plan of
care in the treatment of work-related chronic tension-type headaches
associated with LSS.
Level of Evidence: Level IV