EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DEEP DRY NEEDLING IN HAMSTRINGS MUSCULATURE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK MECHANICAL PAIN OF NON-SPECIFIC ORIGIN

Abstract

Introduction: low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common diseases and with the highest prevalence in the general population. Most cases of LBP are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine a clear cause with diagnostic test. LBP has been associated with a reduction in hamstring extensibility as well as the existence of myofascial trig-ger points (TrPs). Objectives: as the main objective, we set out to determine whether the treatment of the hamstring muscles, through the application of a dry needling technique (DN) improves pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. As secondary objectives, to establish if DN at mechanosesitive trigger points is more effective than at random points and if DN improves hamstring extensibility. Material and method: in total, 20 participants with non-specific chronic LBP were randomized into two groups, the control Group (EG) (n = 10) who received DN at a random point and the experimental Group (CG) (n = 10) who received at the point of greatest mechano-sensibity, both received 3 sessions of DN, separated by a week and a follow up of one week alter the last intervention. Results: there are significant differences in pain intensity, disability and hamstring extensibility in both groups, as well as differences in favor of the treatment of the most mechanosensitive point of biceps femoris. Conclusion: the results suggested improvements in the intensity of pain, functionality and hamstring extensibility in patients with nonspecific chronic LBP, as well as a preference in the treatment of the most mechanosensitive point with respect to a random point. Future trials with a larger sample and with medium and long-term follow-up would be needed.