Needles vs. exercise: new hope for stubborn back pain?

This study is testing whether a specific dry needling technique can help people with chronic low back pain that originates from a tender spot near the hip bone. Forty-two adults will be randomly assigned to receive either a standard exercise program alone, or that same program plus a series of dry needling treatments targeting the connective tissue. Researchers will measure changes in pain, movement, and daily function to see if adding the needling provides extra relief.