Electrical Dry Needling Versus Sham Dry Needling in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Electrical dry needling will be performed at active myofascial trigger points in lumbar muscles (quadratus lumborum, multifidus, iliocostalis lumborum). Fine monofilament needles are inserted into trigger points and connected to a low-frequency stimulator (2-10 Hz) for 10-15 minutes per session. Treatment is delivered once weekly for six weeks by a trained physiotherapist. Participants will also receive standardized conventional physiotherapy including core strengthening, stretching, posture education, and a home-based exercise program.

Sham dry needling will be administered at the same anatomical sites as the experimental group, using superficial or blunt needle placement without penetration into muscle tissue and without electrical stimulation. Sessions are delivered once weekly for six weeks by a trained physiotherapist. Participants will also receive the same standardized conventional physiotherapy including core strengthening, stretching, posture education, and a home-based exercise program to maintain consistency with the experimental arm.