94 patients with chronic mechanical neck pain were randomized to undergo two sessions of either trigger point (TrP) dry needling (DN) or TrP manual therapy (MT) to compare the short-term efficacy of both interventions. Pain, function, pressure pain sensitivity, and cervical range of motion were evaluated up to 2 weeks post-treatment. Results revealed that neck pain intensity, disability, function and cervical range of motion were similar between therapy groups, but patients who received TrP DN experienced significantly decreased pressure pain sensitivity.