Combined effect of Dry Needling as an adjunct to Mechanical Traction and Neural Mobilizataion in subjects with Lumbar Radiculopathy: A RCT

This randomized clinical trial investigates the combined effect of dry needling, spinal traction, and neural mobilization in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly caused by disc herniation and nerve root compression, has a prevalence of 23.9% in India and 4–6% in the general population. The study will include 34 participants aged 30–50 years with radiating low back pain. Group A will receive dry needling with mechanical traction plus conventional therapy (core exercises and TENS). Group B will receive dry needling with neural mobilization plus conventional therapy. Dry needling targets lumbar paraspinal and gluteus medius trigger points to reduce pain and muscle tension. Mechanical traction helps decompress nerve roots, while neural mobilization improves femoral and sciatic nerve mobility. Conventional therapy includes stabilization exercises and TENS for pain relief. Outcome measures are pain intensity (NPRS), functional disability Modified Oswesrty disability questionnaire(MODQ), and lumbar mobility modified modified schober’s test (MMST).