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Dry Needling for Chronic Low Back Pain

This study is looking at how different dry needling techniques affect pain and quality of life for people with chronic low back pain. Dry needling involves inserting very thin needles into tight muscles to help reduce pain, improve muscle movement, and increase blood flow. The study will compare three types of dry needling: standard dry needling, dry needling with high-rate PENS (Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and dry needling with low-rate PENS. Researchers want to see if these methods are acceptable and practical to use. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 65 years old. The study is currently unclear on its status, but plans to enroll 42 participants.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 42 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups.
What's involved
Participants in Phase 1 will have 3 sessions over 1 to 2 weeks, with sessions lasting up to 2 hours. Each session will be at least 24 hours apart.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
For healthy participants, acceptability and feasibility will be measured for up to 3 months. For those with chronic low back pain, these will be measured for up to 2 years.

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NCT07112404

Pain Intervention With Needling: Pilot Of Integrated Neuromodulation Techniques

Recruiting
NAAges 18–65InterventionalTreatment
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
~42 participants
Updated 2026-08-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Dry NeedlingDry needling with high-rate PENSDry needling with low-rate PENS

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Assess the acceptability and feasibility of the protocol- Phase 1 Healthy Participants
Measured over one week, up to 3 months
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Pain
Back Pain
Lower Back Pain
Quality of Life

Explore related trials

Lower Back Pain

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Texas1

Who to contact

Ryan Pontiff, PT, DPT, PhD
[email protected]
409-772-0310
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Both males and females between the ages of 18 and 65 will be included in this study.
Adults experiencing chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain will be identified as having pain the lumbar region for at least 3 months. The pain may be constant or episodic in nature.
Participants will be included if they experience pain at least 75% of the days in the past 3 months. All pain levels will be included. Lumbar region will include posterior lumber musculature, lumbar spine, sacroiliac pain, or superior gluteal area pain.

Exclusion

Individuals who are currently seeking any form of medical treatment for lumbar conditions beyond routine physician follow-up appointments in order to avoid confounding variables, regardless of pain-free status. These may include, but are not limited to, seeking treatment from a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or massage therapist or medical procedures such as injections into the lumbar region for pain.
Additionally, those with previous lumbar surgeries or those with previous major injuries to the lumbar spine that may have resulted in structural abnormalities that may compromise needle placement will be excluded. If surgical procedures did not alter structural alignment, then it will be allowed. For example, an approved procedure may include discectomy or nerve ablation, while a not approved procedure would include a lumbar fusion or scoliosis rod placement.
Additionally, if a person is experiencing radicular symptoms from a back injury, despite not feeling the symptoms in the lumbar region, will not be considered. Radicular symptoms will be defined as those present past the knee and/or electrical in nature. Individuals with neurological conditions or those who need the services of another due to cognitive deficits will not be considered for this study.
Furthermore, as this study relies on an intact sensory system, participants with conditions that may affect sensory processing (e.g., peripheral neuropathy, skin conditions, or circulatory disorders) will be excluded through careful screening.
Will include the following conditions identified as contraindications for dry needling: those with impaired sensitivity, taking anticoagulants, a compromised immune system, a local or systemic infection, an active tumor, history of lymph node removal, history of autoimmune disease, allergy to metals such as nickel or chromium, history of cosmetic procedures in the area, pregnant individuals, or osteoporosis.
Non-English-speaking subjects will be excluded from the study due to the need to understand any communication while dry-needling procedures are taking place.

What this trial measures

  • Assess the acceptability and feasibility of the protocol- Phase 1 Healthy Participantsone week, up to 3 months

    Acceptability and feasibility will be assessed through an interview and retention records at the end of the study.

  • Assess the acceptability and feasibility of the protocol- Phase 2 Those with Chronic Low Back Pain3 months, up to 2 years.

    Acceptability and feasibility will be assessed through an interview and retention records at the end of the study.