A Mediation Analysis Investigating Dry Needling Treatment Mechanisms in a Chronic Low Back Pain P… (NCT06940492) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Mediation Analysis Investigating Dry Needling Treatment Mechanisms in a Chronic Low Back Pain Population
United States56 participantsStarted 2025-05-12
Plain-language summary
Low back pain is a common problem that many adults experience at some point in their lives. One treatment being studied is dry needling, a technique where a small needle is inserted into a specific area of muscle to help relieve pain. So far, the research on dry needling for low back pain hasn't been clear, and it's hard to know when and for whom it will work best. This study aims to figure out how dry needling works to help people with chronic low back pain by looking at the underlying factors. By understanding how dry needling helps people, we can develop a more targeted approach to treatment, which could lead to better outcomes for people with chronic low back pain. The goal of this study is to identify the factors that make dry needling effective for people with chronic low back pain, so that this this information can be used to provide more personalized and effective care.
Eligible participants will attend 5 research sessions lasting approximately 1 hour and complete 2 online surveys. At 3 of those sessions, participants will receive dry needling to their low back.
As part of the research, participants will complete questionnaires related to how pain effects their life. Participants will also undergo testing for muscle stiffness, low back mobility and strength, and pain sensitivity.
To be included in this study participants must:
* Be 18-65 years of age
* Have low back pain for at least 3 months
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Ages 18 - 65,
. Currently experiencing pain in the space between the twelfth rib and the horizontal gluteal fold with or without radiating leg pain
Exclusion criteria
. Non-English speaker
. presence of a medical condition known to affect sensation
. history of surgery to the low back
. history of blood clotting disorders or medical conditions associated with bleeding disorders
. Current use of the medication causing difficulty with clotting (such as blood thinners)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial on dry needling for chronic low back pain is listed as completed — has the data been published yet, and if so, what did they find about how dry needling actually reduces pain intensity?
2Since this study was specifically looking at the *mechanisms* behind why dry needling might work, does that mean the results could help my doctor understand whether it's likely to help my specific type of chronic low back pain?
3Dry needling is one of several hands-on treatments for chronic low back pain — based on what's known so far, how does it compare to other options I might already be eligible for, like physical therapy or injections?
4This trial has no listed phase, which suggests it's more about understanding how a treatment works than proving it's safe or effective — does that change how much confidence we can place in dry needling as a treatment option for me right now?
5If dry needling does seem like a reasonable option to explore, what should I look for in a qualified provider, and are there any risks I should be aware of before trying it?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Pain intensity
Timeframe: Will be collected at the baseline visit, seventy-two hour follow up, and at 2- and 4-week follow up. Current pain intensity will also be assessed at each dry needling session immediately before and immediately after receiving the intervention