Actively Recruiting
A Mediation Analysis Investigating Dry Needling Treatment Mechanisms in Chronic Low Back Pain
Led by University of Florida · Updated on 2026-02-27
71
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
63 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how dry needling, a treatment involving the insertion of small needles into specific muscle areas, works to relieve chronic low back pain in adults aged 18 to 65. This study aims to understand the factors that influence the effectiveness of dry needling so that personalized and more effective care can be developed for people with long-lasting low back pain. The research focuses on people who have had pain for at least three months and are not currently receiving treatment for their low back pain. Participants will attend five research sessions, each lasting about one hour, and complete two online surveys. During three of these sessions, they will receive dry needling treatment targeting trigger points in their lower back muscles. Dry needling involves using a thin needle without medication to stimulate muscle areas and possibly cause a localized twitch response. The study will assess muscle stiffness, back mobility and strength, and pain sensitivity alongside the treatment. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires about how pain affects their daily life. Pain intensity will be measured at the start, after 72 hours, and at 2- and 4-week follow-ups. Pain levels will also be checked before and after each dry needling session. The study will monitor safety and gather detailed information to better understand how dry needling impacts chronic low back pain over time.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
A Mediation Analysis Investigating Dry Needling Treatment Mechanisms in a Chronic Low Back Pain Population
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be between 18 and 65 years old
- Have pain in the lower back area between the twelfth rib and horizontal gluteal fold, with or without leg pain
- Have had low back pain for at least 3 months, experiencing pain most or every day during that time
- Not currently receiving treatment for low back pain
You will not qualify if you...
- Non-English speakers
- Medical conditions affecting sensation
- History of low back surgery
- History of blood clotting or bleeding disorders
- Current use of blood thinners or medications that affect clotting
- Contraindications to needles such as diabetes, local infections, epilepsy, fear of needles, or metal allergy
- Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- Diagnosis of active cancer
- Unable to lie face down for testing
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32611
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Logan Rodgers, PT, DPT, PhD Student
J
Joel Bialosky, PT, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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