If you have a bulging or herniated disc, you know the pain isn’t just about the disc itself. It’s often the intense, protective muscle spasms that come with it. The deep, relentless tightness in your lower back that makes every movement difficult. At my practice in the Twin Cities, while chiropractic adjustments are used for addressing the spinal joint dysfunction, I’ve found that dry needling is a secret weapon for calming down the muscular chaos that accompanies disc injuries. Let’s break down exactly how it works and what you can expect.
Why Use Dry Needling for a Disc Injury?
When a disc is injured, your body’s first response is to splint and protect the area. Muscles like the quadratus lumborum (QL), erector spinae, and multifidus go into hyperdrive, creating painful trigger points (hyper-irritable knots) that:
- Limit your mobility, making bending or twisting painful.
- Pull the spinal joints tighter, increasing pressure on the already compromised disc.
- Create a vicious cycle of pain, spasm, and more pain.
My goal with dry needling is to break this cycle. By precisely targeting these trigger points, I aim to:
- Reduce tension within the muscle bellies themselves.
- Lower overall tissue sensitivity around the injured disc.
- Reduce capsular and ligamentous tension in the structures surrounding the spine and disc.
In short, dry needling helps “reset” the hypertonic muscles that are guarding the injury, allowing for more effective healing.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session for Your Back
Many people have questions, and sometimes concerns, about the process. I’m a firm believer that knowing what to expect eases anxiety. My typical protocol for a lumbar disc issue looks like this:
- Assessment: I’ll first palpate (feel) the muscles around your spine to locate the most reactive trigger points in the QL, erectors, and multifidus.
- The Technique: I typically use one needle at a time, following a pistoning technique. This means I insert the needle into the trigger point and perform a gentle, rapid in-and-out movement for about 30 seconds (roughly 30 strokes).
- Integration: After needling four to eight key spots, I often follow up with electrical stimulation (e-stim) to the area. The e-stim helps further relax the muscle tissue and consolidate the benefits of the needling. The other manual therapies like manipulation, cupping, and rehab are also used to address any other deficits that may be present
Answering Your Top Dry Needling Questions
1. Does it hurt? What does it feel like?
You will likely feel a tiny prick as the needle passes through the skin. The more significant sensation is a deep ache or a slight cramping feeling when the needle reaches the trigger point. This is a positive sign, called a “local twitch response,” indicating the muscle knot is being released. Most patients describe it as a “good hurt” that leads to immediate relief. However, I hate the term “good hurt.” Dry needling should not be painful, only mild to moderate discomfort.
2. How deep do the needles go?
The depth varies based on the muscle being targeted. For the thick paraspinal muscles in your lower back, the needles do go deeper (2 inches) than for superficial (1 inch) muscles. While this sounds very long, most adult vertebrae are closer to three inches or more. I use my extensive knowledge of anatomy to ensure the needle reaches the precise depth of the muscle belly and trigger point, always staying well away from vital structures.
3. Does it cause bleeding?
There may be a tiny spot of blood at one or two insertion points, similar to a pinprick. This is minimal and stops almost immediately. Bruising is also possible but is typically minor and resolves quickly.
4. Are there any risks?
When performed by a trained and licensed professional, dry needling is very safe. The most common side effect is mild soreness for 12-24 hours after treatment, similar to what you might feel after a good workout. This is actually a normal part of the healing process. This soreness post treatment usually resolves after two to three treatments
5. Is it the same as acupuncture?
While both use thin filiform needles, the philosophy and goals are different. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the flow of energy (Qi). Dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and neurophysiology. Its goal is purely mechanical. To deactivate trigger points and reduce muscular pain.
How Dry Needling Makes Your Entire Treatment Plan More Effective
Dry needling is rarely used in isolation. Its real power is how it sets the stage for the other components of your care:
- For the Manipulation: By reducing muscle tension and guarding, your body is more receptive to chiropractic manipulation. The manipulation becomes easier to perform, more comfortable for you, and ultimately more effective at restoring proper joint motion.
- For Rehab Exercises: When your pain is lower and your mobility is improved, you can perform your prescribed strengthening exercises with better motion and less fear. This leads to faster progress in building the resiliency needed to support your spine long-term.
Ready to Break the Pain Spasm Cycle?
If you’re in Hopkins, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, or the surrounding area and are tired of muscle spasms controlling your life, I invite you to experience the difference a combined approach can make. At my clinic, we don’t just treat the disc, we treat the entire pattern. Dry needling is a key part of that strategy. Schedule a consultation with me today. We’ll do a thorough exam to confirm if dry needling is right for your specific condition and create a personalized plan to get you back to moving freely, without pain.