How Dry Needling Can Help Relieve Back Pain, Neck Pain, and Headaches

At Riverside Chiropractic, we’re always looking for effective, evidence-based ways to help our patients feel better, move better, and live better. One technique that’s gained increasing attention in the world of musculoskeletal (MSK) healthcare is dry needling.

If you suffer from back pain, neck pain, or musculoskeletal headaches, dry needling could be a valuable part of your recovery.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique where a very thin, sterile needle is inserted directly into muscle tissue, particularly areas known as trigger points, which are tight bands or knots within the muscle that can cause pain, restricted movement, and referred symptoms.

Unlike acupuncture (which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and energy flow theories), dry needling is rooted in modern anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience.

The goal is simple: ✅ Release muscle tension

✅ Reduce pain

✅ Improve blood flow and function

It’s called "dry" because no medication or fluid is injected: the needle itself is the treatment.

How Does Dry Needling Help?

When a needle targets a trigger point, it can cause the muscle to twitch, relax, and "reset."This helps to:

• Decrease local muscle tension

• Reduce chemical irritation

• Improve joint movement

• Normalize nerve activity around the affected area

Think of it like rebooting a computer — dry needling helps reset the overactive muscles and nerve patterns causing your symptoms.

Dry Needling for Back Pain

Low back pain often isn’t just about the joints or discs: tight, irritated muscles often play a huge role. Muscles like the quadratus lumborum, gluteals, and paraspinals can become overloaded, leading to sharp, aching, or even radiating pain.

Dry needling can:

• Loosen stiff muscles

• Reduce "protective guarding" around injured areas

• Allow better engagement of stabilizing muscles for long-term recovery

It’s especially helpful when combined with gentle spinal mobilization, movement rehab, and postural retraining.

Dry Needling for Neck Pain

Neck pain often involves the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and deep cervical muscles: all prone to developing painful trigger points, especially after poor posture, stress, or injury.

Patients often report:

• Sharp or aching pain

• Difficulty turning their head

• Pain radiating to the shoulders or upper back

Dry needling can target these muscles directly, helping to:

• Relieve tension headaches

• Restore comfortable range of motion

• Break the cycle of muscle spasm and guarding

Dry Needling for Headaches (Musculoskeletal Origin)

Many headaches are actually referred pain from tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Dry needling can help by:

• Releasing pressure from trigger points that refer pain to the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes

• Decreasing neck muscle spasm that contributes to cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches

• Reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches over time

It's an excellent tool alongside chiropractic care, posture correction, and stress management strategies.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

• The session is typically quick — often just a few minutes targeting specific muscles.

• You may feel a twitch response when the needle finds a trigger point — this is normal and a good sign!

• Afterwards, some mild soreness (similar to a workout) is common for a day or two.

• Most patients notice reduced pain, improved flexibility, and easier movement within a few sessions.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes: when performed by a trained professional, dry needling is a safe and effective therapy. At Riverside Chiropractic, we use sterile techniques, thorough anatomical knowledge, and a gentle, patient-centred approach to ensure the best outcomes.

Of course, dry needling is just one part of a larger treatment plan — we combine it with manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises, ergonomic advice, and education to get you lasting results.

Ready to Try Dry Needling?

If you’re struggling with back pain, neck pain, or chronic headaches, dry needling could help you get back to living the way you want. At Riverside Chiropractic, we’re here to answer your questions and create a care plan tailored to your needs.

👉 Book a consultation today and see how dry needling could be part of your recovery journey.