Needle Therapy For Back Pain

What is dry needling ?

A clinician will use thin filiform needles (the same needle that are commonly used in acupuncture) and inject them into the trigger point during a dry needling session. The purpose is to “deactivate the trigger point.” Trigger points are something we all have, but only when they’re activated they can cause symptoms. You’ll feel a greater range of motion and less pain when the trigger point is deactivated.

How does dry needling deactivate the trigger point ?

Researchers are still unsure how the therapy works, but they think it stimulates blood flow to the trigger points to ease muscle contraction. Some believe dry needling can also block pain signals.

Learn why is it worth it

Many people mistake dry needling for acupuncture because it uses needles to stimulate a response. However, the two therapies are different. Acupuncture’s goal is to unblock Qi (the body’s energy) and move it through the body’s systems (i.e. nervous, circulatory, & muscular, etc). Because dry needling is not based on acupuncture’s ancient philosophy it focuses more specifically on the treatment of muscle pain and nerve.

This therapy is best known for relieving trigger point pain in the spine. However, it has been used by practitioners for many other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cervicogenic headaches.

There are many types of dry needling practitioners, such as physical therapists and chiropractors, acupuncturists and nurses, as well as doctors.

Needle Therapy For Back Pain

Research: Dry needling works best with other low back pain treatments

Researchers reviewed all available evidence regarding dry needling in 2018 to determine how effective it is at relieving low back pain trigger points. There was a lack of scientific evidence linking dry needling with lower back pain. They were however able to draw some conclusions based on the limited number of studies that they reviewed.

“The low-to-moderate-quality evidence showed that compared with other treatments, dry needling resulted in significant reduction in pain intensity and functional disability at post-intervention,” wrote the researchers. However, dry needling combined with other treatments for [low-back pain] was more effective in pain intensity reduction than just doing dry needling at the post-intervention stage, although the quality of the evidence was low.”

The study also examined other forms of treatment, including acupuncture, standard physical therapies, and local anesthetic injection therapy.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), in a resource paper called “Description Of Dry Needling In Clinical Practice”, echoed the findings. It noted that dry needling is not a standalone procedure and should be part of a wider physical therapy approach. For best results, the APTA recommends that dry needling should be combined with manual therapies and exercises. Patients should also be educated on how to maintain their muscle health between sessions.

How may dry needling help with back pain?

Dry needling is when a physical therapist inserts tiny filiform needles (similar to those used in acupuncture), into the trigger point. The needles then can be gently moved to stimulate blood flow to the trigger points, which may help relax tight muscles. Researchers believe the technique blocks pain signals but aren’t sure how dry needling relieves pain.

Researchers know it works. Patients often feel relief immediately after the session lasting from hours oe weeks. Researchers recommend that dry needling be integrated into a larger treatment plan, which includes other back pain therapies like gentle exercise and spinal injections, to get the maximum benefits.

What should I know about dry needling before having the first session?

There is no need to prepare for a dry needling session. Most people feel immediate relief from their dry needling session. However, the duration of relief can vary from hours to weeks. Ask your clinician or physical therapist if you should use an ice pack (“icing”) or heting pad to follow dry needling.

After treatment, you may feel soreness around your trigger points. which is completely normal. To reduce swelling and possible bruising following dry needling therapy, talk to your practitioner about using supplements such as arnica and turmeric.

Your practitioner may recommend that you do not return to the same spot within 72 hours. This will allow your tissues to heal properly. Although you may feel some soreness after dry needling, you will likely be able drive home or return back to work. You should take part in a six-week treatment plan that includes dry needling and other therapies.

Dry needling could be a safe and effective new treatment to low back pain. Although more evidence is needed to prove dry needling’s effectiveness in treating trigger points, it is generally safe for most people. However it is always a good idea to talk to your primary physician about whether dry needling is appropriate to treat your low back pain. Your doctor will be able to help you understand your medical history and current health status. Your overall health and low back will be protected if you get your doctor’s permission first.

How to find a dry needling expert ?

Dry needling isn’t available everywhere. Access to dry needling is increasing as more states include it in the scope of practice for physical therapists. Are you from Delhi NCR or Mumbai ? Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any queries regarding Dry needling Needle Therapy For Back Pain or any other Physiotherapy Treatment.

Needle Therapy for Back Pain

Needle Therapy For Back Pain

Needle Therapy For Back Pain

What is dry needling ?

How does dry needling deactivate the trigger point ?

Learn why is it worth it

Needle Therapy For Back Pain

Research: Dry needling works best with other low back pain treatments

How may dry needling help with back pain?

What should I know about dry needling before having the first session?

How to find a dry needling expert ?

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