Dry Needling of Calf in Chronic Non- Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP), characterized by pain lasting more than three months without a clear pathoanatomical cause, is frequently associated with muscle imbalances and restricted mobility. Purpose: This experimental study investigated the effects of Dry Needling (DN) of the calf muscle on CNSLBP. Methods: A total of 46 participants aged 20–45 years with diagnosed CNSLBP and calf muscle tightness were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A received DN plus conventional therapy (hamstrings, iliopsoas, and back muscle stretching), and Group B received only conventional therapy. Pain intensity, lumbar spine ROM, and disability were measured using the VAS, MFTTF, and MODI before and after intervention. Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures (p < 0.05). However, Group A showed greater improvement compared to Group B. Group A reported a significant reduction in VAS scores (from 6.31 ± 1.22 to 1.65 ± 0.62), increased ROM in lumbar flexion (from 9.95 ± 4.03 to 24.76 ± 3.45), and decreased disability (MODI from 10.86 ± 2.79 to 3.19 ±1.07). Conclusions: Dry needling of the calf muscle, when combined with conventional therapy, significantly enhances pain relief, lumbar mobility, and reduces disability in individuals with CNSLBP. These findings support the value of addressing calf muscle tightness in managing chronic non-specific low back pain. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up is recommended.