Low back pain affects millions of people worldwide, often interfering with daily activities and reducing quality of life. While many treatment options exist, trigger point dry needling (TDN) has emerged as an effective technique for addressing muscular components of low back pain. As a specialized physical therapy intervention, dry needling targets myofascial trigger points—those tight, painful knots in muscles that can refer pain to other areas.
How Trigger Point Dry Needling Works
Dry needling involves inserting thin, filiform needles into myofascial trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles of energy flow, dry needling is grounded in Western medical science and specifically targets neuromuscular dysfunction. The needle stimulation helps release the contracted muscle fibers, improve blood flow to the area, and reduce pain signals.
When a trigger point develops in muscles supporting the lower back, such as the quadratus lumborum, multifidus, or iliopsoas, it can create a cycle of pain, muscle guarding, and restricted movement. By disrupting this cycle, dry needling allows the muscle to relax and begin healing.
Benefits for Lower Back Pain
Physical therapists utilize dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment approach with several potential benefits:
- Immediate reduction in muscle tension and pain
- Improved range of motion in the spine
- Decreased local and referred pain patterns
- Enhanced blood flow promoting healing
- Reduced nerve compression
- Activation of the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms
Most patients report feeling immediate relief after treatment, though some experience temporary soreness that resolves within 24-48 hours.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical dry needling session begins with a thorough assessment to identify problematic trigger points. The physical therapist will explain the procedure and ensure you’re comfortable before inserting the sterile, disposable needles. The sensation varies—some patients feel minimal discomfort, while others may experience a brief muscle twitch or cramping sensation that signals effective treatment.
Treatment sessions usually last 15-30 minutes and may be combined with other interventions such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and postural education.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
While dry needling has proven effective for many people with lower back pain, it’s not appropriate for everyone. Individuals with bleeding disorders, certain infections, compromised immune systems, or pregnancy may need to explore alternative options.
The best way to determine if dry needling might help your lower back pain is to consult with a licensed physical therapist trained in the technique. They can evaluate your condition and recommend an individualized treatment plan that may include dry needling as part of a comprehensive approach to restore function and relieve pain.
When combined with appropriate exercise and movement strategies, trigger point dry needling can be a powerful tool in your recovery from lower back pain, helping you return to the activities you enjoy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for back pain.
Make sure you are proactive in your health and don’t ignore the little sensations you are feeling in your back. This is part of The 3D’s principle I adhere to. Don’t Ignore it, Don’t Mask It, Do Something About It.
Regardless of your reason and severity of symptoms, the team at MOSS Rehabilitation Center is ready to help you get what you really want so you can thrive and not just survive.
Act now – call the office NOW 817-220-6677 to request my 100% FREE Report Top 10 Burning Questions for Lumbar Pain and Sciatica Report. Or if you want the report right now, please CLICK HERE and you can download it instantly.
“A healthy man has thousands of wishes, a sick man has only one”. –Agnes Karll Schwest Krankenpfleger
Remember the KEY is to start so small that it is impossible to fail. –Kaizen
We love helping everyday people get back to doing the things they love to do.
At MOSS Rehabilitation Center we make it easy for you to get started. We even have a simple 3 step process.
1. Schedule a FREE NO Obligation, Discovery Visit with one of our experts. During this visit, you will talk with one of our friendly experts about your issues. This is a safe and confidential visit, you can trust that your safety and privacy is important to us. 2. Receive a Customized (Individualized) Treatment Plan. Based on your free discovery visit, we will put together a custom, unique to you plan that will address all of your nagging pains and issues. The goal is to get you back to your healthy self as soon as possible while also addressing your issues for the long term.
3. Get Your Life Back and Do What You Love. The best result for us is a patient who tells us they can finally do what they love without the constant pain, stress, or issue they were facing. Together we can get you back to living life without worry.
NEXT ACTION: If you are really serious about fixing your lower back pain and want to do something about it, start by calling 817-220-6677 today to schedule your FREE NO OBLIGATION Discovery Visit or talk to one of our experts to find out a proper next step.
To your health,
Dr. Robert Moss PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT
PS. No one will ask for any money for anything when you call 817-220-6677 to request your free report which is perfect for those who are suffering with balance issues.
