Investigating how dry needling helps with chronic low back pain

A Mediation Analysis Investigating Dry Needling Treatment Mechanisms in a Chronic Low Back Pain Population

Not applicable Interventional University of Florida · NCT06940492

This study is testing how dry needling can help people with chronic low back pain feel better and find out who benefits the most from this treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment71 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Florida Academic / other
Locations1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06940492 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the mechanisms behind dry needling as a treatment for chronic low back pain. Participants will undergo five research sessions, where they will receive dry needling treatment and complete online surveys to assess their pain and response to the intervention. The goal is to identify the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of dry needling, which could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. By understanding these mechanisms, the study aims to clarify when and for whom dry needling is most beneficial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who have been experiencing chronic low back pain for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with certain medical conditions, recent surgeries, or contraindications to needle use may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into dry needling, this study aims to clarify its mechanisms, making it a novel approach in understanding its effectiveness.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ages 18 - 65,
2. Currently experiencing pain in the space between the twelfth rib and the horizontal gluteal fold with or without radiating leg pain

b) Low back pain symptoms that are chronic, in that symptoms, have persisted for at least 3 months with pain experienced on most or every day in the past 3 months c) Not currently receiving treatment for their low back

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Non-English speaker
2. presence of a medical condition known to affect sensation
3. history of surgery to the low back
4. history of blood clotting disorders or medical conditions associated with bleeding disorders
5. Current use of the medication causing difficulty with clotting (such as blood thinners)
6. Contraindication to the application of needles including, but not limited to, diabetes, local infection, epilepsy, fear of needles or metal allergy
7. women who are pregnant or currently attempting to become pregnant
8. diagnosis of active cancer
9. inability to obtain the testing position (laying prone).

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Low Back Painlow back painchronic low back paindry needling
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.