Effect of Dry Needling Plus Vibration on Myofascial Trigger Points in Individuals With Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Launched by UNIVERSIDAD DE ZARAGOZA · Jul 24, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new treatment for people with nonspecific low back pain, which is a common and often frustrating condition where the exact cause of the pain is unclear. The study is specifically looking at a combination of two techniques: dry needling (inserting a thin needle into specific muscle points to relieve pain) and vibration. Researchers want to see if adding vibration to dry needling can improve pain relief and muscle function without causing more discomfort than dry needling alone. This approach is thought to be less invasive and painful than traditional methods, potentially leading to quicker and more effective treatment.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have had low back pain lasting longer than three months, with a pain score of 3 or higher. They should also have specific muscle trigger points identified by a trained physiotherapist. However, people with certain conditions, recent treatments, or specific health issues will not be eligible. Participants can expect to receive treatment in a comfortable setting while being closely monitored for any side effects. This study aims to provide insights into a safer and potentially more effective way to manage low back pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• * Individuals with nonspecific low back pain, defined as pain persisting for more than 3 months between the twelfth rib and the buttocks, registering a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score of 3 or higher prior to the intervention. Additionally, participants must meet the following criteria:
• • Presence of myofascial trigger points (PGMs) in any of the following muscles relevant to the project: erector spinae (longissimus and iliocostal), multifidus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and quadratus lumborum. Detection of these PGMs will be conducted by a specialized physiotherapist.
• • Individuals aged 18 years or older, proficient in either Spanish or English. Participants who have provided informed consent by signing the consent form
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of lumbar pain associated with specific pathologies such as disc herniations or neurological disorders.
• • Recent infiltration therapy within the past 3 months.
• • Recent manual therapy, acupuncture, or dry needling interventions in the lumbopelvic region within the last 4 weeks.
• • Previous surgical intervention in the lumbopelvic region.
• • Leg length discrepancy (\>1 cm).
• • Recent use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications within the last week.
• • Systemic or local infection in the lumbar region.
• • Pregnancy.
• • Needle phobia (belonephobia).