Evaluation of effectiveness of dry needling in the treatment of chronic low back pain: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) in the management of chronic low back pain (LBP). Materials and Methods: Forty patients with chronic LBP (CLBP) (already treated with analgesics and physiotherapy by other clinicians) with myofascial trigger points were given five sessions of DN for 20 min each on every 3rd day. The effect on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), and disability was observed with the help of numerical rating score (NRS), ROM score, and Owestry Disability Index respectively at 1, 4, and 12 weeks interval. Results: The NRS decreased from a mean of 7.39 to 3.68 at the end of 4 weeks and then 2.32 by 12 weeks showing a significant relief in the pain intensity. The ROM improved from the mean of 4.95 to 2.38 at 4 weeks and to 1.34 by 12 weeks. The mean Oswestry disability index was 38.95 before the treatment and significantly reduced to 17.70 after 12 weeks. The use of paracetamol and hot fomentation was very minimal in the majority of patients. Conclusion: DN is an effective intervention for the management of chronic LBP with myofascial component up to 12 weeks, irrespective of age or gender after the red flags ruled out.