Efficacy of Two Types of Non-invasive Erector Spinae Muscle Taut Band Therapy in University Students With Low Back Pain

Efficacy of Two Types of Non-invasive Erector Spinae Muscle Taut Band Therapy in University Students With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Non-specific low back pain can be caused by the presence of active trigger points in the muscles of the lumbopelvic region. Trigger points are defined as hypersensitive points within a taut band of a musculoskeletal system that cause pain during contraction, stretching, or stimulation of said muscle. If these points are active, they can trigger referred pain, local tenderness, and vegetative responses. There is scientific evidence of the improvement of the treatment of these points through non-invasive manual techniques. The objective of this study will be to determine the effect of Strain Counterstrain and Myofascial Induction techniques in subjects with low back pain secondary to the presence of active trigger points in the lumbopelvic region. Hyperexcitable myofascial trigger points located within a taut band of skeletal muscle or fascia cause referred pain, local tenderness, and autonomic changes. The scientific data refer to an immediate improvement in the symptoms of these active points treated with manual therapy. Based on these factors, the objective of the study is to determine the effect of the combined therapy of the Strain Counterstrain technique and Myofascial Induction in participants with the presence of an active trigger point in the erector spinae muscle.

The treatment will last a total of 15 minutes accompanied by a baseline assessment and after 10 minutes of the intervention in 2 experimental groups and a placebo group, of no-pain positioning. In addition to basic indices and scales of low back pain and disability caused by low back pain, it is intended to measure flexibility, range of motion, proprioception and cognition through software with sensors of the latest technology when representing reliable results in differences between techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of low back pain
• Presence of active trigger point in the erector spinae as described by Lawrence H. Jones

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who present dizziness, vertigo;
• Previous or scheduled surgeries in the lumbar spine and/or lower extremities;
• Suspicion of serious fractures or pathologies (tumor, inflammation, infection, rheumatological disorder, systemic disease, presence of fever);
• Diagnosis of radiculopathy or neuropathy;
• Structural deformity in the spine; spondyloarthropathy, disabling pain and physical disability;
• Use of pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs in the last 48 hours;
• Neurological or psychiatric disorder;
• Presence or suspicion of pregnancy