Connective Tissue Dry Needling for Low Back Pain Related to Local Posterior Superior Iliac Spine Pain

Plain-language summary

This single-blind randomized controlled trial will aim to determine the effectiveness of a connective tissue dry needling (CTDN) technique, in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with chronic mechanical low back pain associated with pain and tenderness at the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). Forty participants with local PSIS-related low back pain will be recruited and randomly assigned into two groups using the block balanced randomization method. The treatment group will receive CTDN targeting connective tissue trigger points around the PSIS in addition to a sacroiliac joint stabilization exercise program, while the control group will perform the same exercise program alone under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The intervention protocol will span two weeks, during which participants will attend three treatment sessions per week, for a total of six sessions. The primary outcome measurement will use the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess pain intensity. The study will measure secondary outcomes through lumbar range of motion (ROM) in flexion and extension and pressure pain threshold (PPT), and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) functional disability and Short Form-36 (SF-36) health-related quality of life. The researchers will assess all outcomes at three time points: baseline and after the first session, and the sixth session, while VAS will receive an additional assessment at the 3-month follow-up. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence supporting CTDN as a safe, effective, and cost-efficient treatment option for PSIS-related mechanical low back pain.

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Trial details