Comparing the Therapeutic Effects of Dry Needling and Muscle Energy Technique on Quadratus Lumborum Trigger Points: A Study on Back Pain Alleviation.

Abstract

Background: Chronic lower back pain is a prevalent health issue with substantial implications for the working population. Often overlooked, myofascial trigger points in the quadratus lumborum muscle significantly contribute to this condition. Trigger points arise due to increased or altered muscle demands and acute or chronic stresses on the lower back musculature, manifesting as hyperirritable foci within taut bands of hypertonic musculature. Muscle energy technique and dry needling are well-established manual therapy treatments aimed at deactivating trigger points and correcting muscular imbalances. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of muscle energy technique and dry needling on active trigger points in the quadratus lumborum muscle for alleviating lower back pain. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 24 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were divided into two groups: Group A received muscle energy technique, while Group B received dry needling. Pain assessment, functional evaluation, and trigger point sensitivity measurements were performed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Each patient received two treatment sessions per week for three weeks. Evaluations were conducted after the 1st, 3rd, and 6th treatment sessions, and data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: The findings revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, within-group analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in pain scores. Conclusion: This study concluded that both dry needling and muscle energy technique effectively reduced pain threshold in lower back pain by targeting trigger points in the quadratus lumborum muscle.