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

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

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.

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.