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Dry Needling for Chronic Low-back Pain with Myofascial Pain

This study is investigating if a special body measurement, called the NUN biomarker, can track changes in chronic low-back pain (cLBP) caused by muscle pain (myofascial pain) after dry needling treatment. Researchers want to see if this biomarker goes down when pain improves, if it can predict who will benefit most from dry needling, and if people with higher starting levels of the biomarker respond better to real dry needling compared to a sham (fake) treatment. You might be eligible if you are between 20 and 70 years old and have chronic low-back pain with a myofascial pain component. The study aims to enroll 80 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study will enroll 80 participants. It compares real dry needling to a sham (fake) dry needling treatment in a single-blinded setup, meaning you won't know which treatment you receive.
What's involved
You will receive either real or sham dry needling. You will also have ultrasound imaging, a pressure pain test, and report your pain levels before and after treatment.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your NUN biomarker levels and pain will be measured 1 week after treatment at the second scan and exam sessions.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07133139

Treatment Validation for Myofascial Pain

Recruiting
NAAges 20–70InterventionalBasic science
Ajay Wasan, MD, Msc
~80 participants
Updated 2025-12-24 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Dry NeedlingSham Dry NeedlingNUN Biomarker

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Significant decrease in NUN biomarker levels in the dry needling treatment group compared to the sham (placebo) group.
Measured over 1 week after treatment at the 2nd scan session
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP)
Myofacial Pain

Explore related trials

Chronic low back painMyofascial pain

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1

Study leadership

  • Kang Kim, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh
  • Ajay Wasan, MD, MSc · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh

Who to contact

Ajay Wasan, MD, MSc
[email protected]
412-665-8048
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Ages 20-70;
Predominantly axial LBP (meeting NIH definition of cLBP with daily pain for at least 3 months) with a MP component as determined by the standardized examination for MP;
Average pain score of \> 3/10, with low back pain being the primary pain site;
CLBP meeting Quebec Task Force Classification System categories I-III (from axial pain only to pain radiating beyond the knee without neurological signs). Constant radicular pain associated with sensory loss is likely a confounder to dry needling treatment success;
NO HISTORY of receiving dry needling, to improve the effectiveness of the blind;
Demonstration of healthcare seeking at some point for LBP.

Exclusion

Back surgery within the past six months;
Active workers' compensation or litigation claims, since these patients are more likely to have exaggerated pain behavior;
New pain treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment;
Any clinically unstable systemic illness or condition that is judged to interfere with the trial;
Non-ambulatory status;
Not able to complete the questionnaire
Currently pregnant or have intentions to become pregnant during the study.

What this trial measures

  • Significant decrease in NUN biomarker levels in the dry needling treatment group compared to the sham (placebo) group.1 week after treatment at the 2nd scan session

    Relationships between changes in the biomarker and changes in the clinical condition

  • Correlations between changes in the biomarker and changes in the clinical assessment of myofascial pain: tender points, trigger points, and pressure algometry.1 week after treatment at the 2nd exam session

    relationships between changes in the biomarker and the quantitative measures on the structured clinical exam