Trigger Point Dry Needling vs Trigger Point Dry Needling With Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if trigger point dry needling with intramuscular
electrical stimulation is more effective in decreasing pain and disability in individuals
with sub-acute and chronic low back pain (LBP) than with trigger point dry needling alone.
The investigators are using a within subjects randomized crossover study that will recruit 30
active duty military personnel or beneficiaries from William Beaumont Army Medical Center and
all associated clinics. The investigators hypothesize that individuals with LBP will exhibit
larger improvements in pain and disability when receiving trigger point dry needling with
intramuscular electrical stimulation than when receiving trigger point dry needling alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Currently experience low back pain for greater than 4 weeks (Low back pain defined as
pain below the T12th vertebrae with or without radiation) Military or DOD Beneficiary
(any branch; 18-65 years of age)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Structural Deformity (ankylosing Spondylitis, Scoliosis)

- Has any other Orthopedic condition that may keep subject from performing Low - Back
Exercises

- Tumors

- Spinal infection or local infection

- Pregnancy-All female subjects will be given either a blood serum or urine pregnancy
test.

- Spinal cord compression or Cauda Equina Syndrome

- Subject with the inability to keep appointments

- Has History of prior surgery

- Has received Dry Needling or Acupuncture in the last 6 months

- History of bleeding disorders

- High anti-coagulant use

- History of immune suppression