Objective To compare the effects of dry needling for trigger points with cervical nerve block versus cervical nerve block alone on the pain of neck‑type cervical spondylopathy (NTCS). Methods A total of 68 NTCS patients who were admitted to Department of Pain Management, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from August 2023 to October 2023 were selected. According to the random number table method, they were divided into two groups (n=34): a combined treatment (experimental) group and a nerve block (control) group. The experimental group underwent dry needling for trigger points combined with cervical nerve posterior branch block, while the control group received cervical nerve posterior branch block alone. One treatment cycle consisted of two procedures, with a 6 d interval between treatments. The general information such as gender, body mass index (BMI), age and course of disease of the two groups were recorded. Then, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, and Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) scores were analyzed before treatment and day 1, weeks 1, 4 and 12 after treatment. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were recorded before and 4 weeks after treatment. The cervical range of motion (CROM) (flexion/extension, lateral bending, and rotation) was measured before and day 1 after treatment. Meanwhile, the use of rescue medication and the incidences of adverse reactions during hospitalization were recorded. Results Compared with those before treatment, NRS pain scores and NPQ scores decreased at all time points after treatment in both groups (all P<0.05), PSQI scores decreased 4 weeks after treatment (all P<0.05), and CROM (lateral bending, rotation) increased day 1 after treatment (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed decreases in NRS pain scores and NPQ scores 4 and 12 weeks after treatment (all P<0.05); decreases in PSQI scores 4 weeks after treatment (P<0.05); and increases in CROM (lateral bending, and rotation) day 1 after treatment (all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in other indicators (all P>0.05). Conclusions Dry needling for trigger points combined with ultrasound‑guided cervical nerve posterior branch block is significantly effective in treating neck‑type cervical spondylopathy, which is superior to nerve block treatment alone.