Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to see if a body test called the NUN biomarker can track changes in chronic low back pain after dry needling and predict who will feel better. This study is for adults with chronic low back pain from muscle pain (Myofacial Pain). The main questions are: * Does the biomarker drop when pain improves? * Can it predict who benefits most? * Do higher starting levels mean better results with real dry needling? Investigators will compare real and fake (sham) dry needling using ultrasound, muscle pressure tests, and pain reports before and after treatment.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 20-70; * Predominantly axial LBP (meeting NIH definition of cLBP with daily pain for at least 3 months) with a MP component as determined by the standardized examination for MP; * Average pain score of \> 3/10, with low back pain being the primary pain site; * CLBP meeting Quebec Task Force Classification System categories I-III (from axial pain only to pain radiating beyond the knee without neurological signs). Constant radicular pain associated with sensory loss is likely a confounder to dry needling treatment success; * NO HISTORY of receiving dry needling, to improve the effectiveness of the blind; * Demonstration of healthcare seeking at some point for LBP. Exclusion Criteria: * Back surgery within the past six months; * Active workers' compensation or litigation claims, since these patients are more likely to have exaggerated pain behavior; * New pain treatments within 2 weeks of enrollment; * Any clinically unstable systemic illness or condition that i