Effect of dry needling in myofascial trigger points of abdominal muscles in primary dysmenorrhea

Introduction and Aim: Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological problem among adolescent females, and it is the most common reason of sickness absenteeism from school and work. Emotional and behavioral problems may exacerbate menstrual cycle problems and dysmenorrheal (9). Due to the negative effects of dysmenorrhea on an individual’s physiological status, health related quality of life may be disrupted among adolescent females. Managing dysmenorrhea with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and oral contraceptives is reported to be associated with side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness. Dry needling involves disruption of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) which is the probable cause of primary dysmenorrhea, which decreases the pain and improves quality of life. The pain relief could be instantaneous, and the effects could long last. The objective of the study was to find the effectiveness of dry needling for abdominal muscles in decreasing menstrual cramps. Methodology: 40 subjects were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A, 20 subjects were received dry needling for trigger points in rectus abdominal and external oblique along with self-abdominal stretching. The total number of sessions is 2 days per week for 2 weeks and during each session dry needling has to be given for 2 to 3 trigger points. Group B, 20 subjects were advised for conservative method using hot pack and self-stretching exercises were prescribed. The outcome measures used were numerical pain rating scale and Moos menstrual distress questionnaire. Results: The results of this study were statistically significant in numerical pain rating scale, pretest and posttest with the p values (p<0.0001). In Moos menstrual distress questionnaire (MMDQ), also had significant difference among the values of (p<0.0001). Between the posttest mean and standard deviation of MMDQ of both group A and group B are 39.5(9.39) and 49.5(12.6) respectively and there was a significant difference among the values (p<0.0071). Conclusion: This study shows the significant improvement by giving dry needling along self-stretching exercise comparing to conservative management like heat application and self-stretching exercises in primary dysmenorrheal subjects. Keywords: Dysmenorrhea; dry needling; abdominal pain; trigger points