Three treatment options for myofascial back pain
COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OFF DRY NEEDLING, EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY, AND TRANSCUTANEOUS PULSED RADIOFREQUENCY IN PATIENTS WITH MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
NA · Sakarya University · NCT07511751
This trial will test whether dry needling, shock wave therapy (ESWT), or pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) reduces pain and improves function in adults 18–65 with chronic myofascial back pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sakarya University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Adapazarı, Sakarya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07511751 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, parallel-group trial will assign adults with clinically diagnosed myofascial back pain lasting at least three months to receive dry needling, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), or pulsed radiofrequency (PRF). Treatments will be delivered at Sakarya Training and Research Hospital and outcomes measured before and after the interventions. Primary outcomes include pain intensity measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and functional status, with follow-up assessments to compare short-term effects across groups. The study seeks to provide head-to-head comparative data to inform clinical choice among commonly used therapies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with clinically diagnosed myofascial pain syndrome causing back pain for at least three months who have not improved with conservative treatments are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with fibromyalgia, recent cervical surgery or cervical disc pathology, shoulder pathologies, coagulation disorders or anticoagulant use, active infection, malignancy, or inflammatory spinal disease are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify which of the three treatments most effectively reduces pain and improves function for patients with myofascial back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies and reviews report some benefit for dry needling and ESWT in myofascial pain, while evidence for PRF is less consistent and direct comparative data are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Clinically diagnosed myofascial pain syndrome * Back pain lasting at least 3 months * Failure to respond to conservative treatments Exclusion Criteria: * History of cervical surgery or cervical disc pathology * Fibromyalgia * Shoulder pathologies * Coagulation disorders or use of anticoagulant therapy * Infection, malignancy, or inflammatory spinal diseases
Where this trial is running
Adapazarı, Sakarya
- Sakarya Training and Research Hospital — Adapazarı, Sakarya, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: KEMAL NAS, MD, Professor — Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Department of Algology
- Study coordinator: AYSENUR IMAMOGLU BABA, MD,Resident
- Email: aysenurimamoglub@gmail.com
- Phone: +905437866097
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Myofascial Pain Syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, dry needling, ESWT, pulsed radiofrequency, pain