Traditional Acupuncture and Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling and Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to compare the therapeutic effects of acupuncture using traditional acupoints and Ashi points with myofascial trigger points superficial dry needling and acupressure, followed by postisometric stretching of the appropriate muscles, in the treatment of patients with chronic mechanical low back pain.

Official Title
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Randomised Comparative Pragmatic Clinical Trial of Traditional Acupuncture and Superficial Dry Needling and Acupressure of Myofascial Trigger Points for the Treatment of Patients With Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

Conditions
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Low Back Pain

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Traditional needle acupuncture
* Procedure: Myofascial trigger point dry needling
* Procedure: Myofascial trigger point acupressure


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Clinical diagnosis of mechanical lower back pain for at least three months. The chronic mechanical lower back pain is the chief complaint, with or without leg pain. The lower back pain is disabling to the degree that affects the patient's routine job and/or his or her lifestyle. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with tumor, infection, major trauma to the spine causing fracture or disruption of the major ligaments, or cauda equina syndrome. Patients with neurological signs of spinal nerve compression. Patients having undergone spinal surgery, facet joint block and/or corticoid injection. Patients with general contraindications for acupuncture or acupressure treatment.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 1<br>Traditional needle acupuncture | Procedure: Traditional needle acupuncture<br>* Traditional needle acupuncture using traditional meridian acupoints and Ashi (tender) points<br>|
| Active Comparator: 2<br>Myofascial trigger point dry needling | Procedure: Myofascial trigger point dry needling<br>* Superficial dry needling of myofascial trigger points found in the muscles related to low back pain, followed by their postisometric stretching<br>|
| Active Comparator: 3<br>Myofascial trigger point acupressure | Procedure: Myofascial trigger point acupressure<br>* Blunt needle acupressure of myofascial trigger points found in the muscles related to low back pain, followed by their postisometric stretching<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Low Back Pain, Chronic, Acupuncture, Dry Needling, Acupressure, Acupuncture Points, Trigger Points, Myofascial