Speakers - 2026

Title: Diagnosis and treatment of low back trigger points

Abstract

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability, and myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) represent a common but frequently overlooked source of symptoms. Trigger points in the lumbar paraspinal, gluteal, and hip muscles can produce local and referred pain patterns that resemble discogenic or radicular pain, contributing to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.

Diagnosis of low back trigger points is primarily clinical and relies on careful history taking and physical examination, including identification of taut bands, localized tenderness, and reproduction of the patient’s pain with palpation. Differentiation from spinal and neurological causes is essential to guide appropriate management.

Treatment is multimodal and includes patient education, stretching, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise. Interventional approaches such as dry needling and trigger point injections may provide additional pain relief when integrated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Early recognition and targeted treatment of MTrPs can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance outcomes in patients with low back pain.