Dry Needling

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique that uses thin, sterile filiform needles — the same type used in acupuncture — to directly target and release myofascial trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow, dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and neuroscience. The goal is to resolve muscular dysfunction, reduce pain, and restore normal movement patterns.

At Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock, TX, Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. incorporates dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for patients dealing with stubborn muscle pain, movement restrictions, and conditions that have not fully resolved with chiropractic adjustments alone.

Trigger points — commonly called "muscle knots" — are hyper-irritable spots within a muscle where the fibers have become contracted and unable to release on their own. These knots can cause localized pain, refer pain to distant areas, limit range of motion, and weaken the affected muscle.

When a thin needle is inserted directly into a trigger point, it produces a brief "local twitch response" — an involuntary muscle contraction that signals the release of the contracted fibers. This response:

• Interrupts the pain-spasm cycle within the muscle
• Increases local blood flow and oxygen delivery
• Promotes the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals
• Resets the muscle's neurological signaling so it can function normally

The needles used are so thin that most patients feel little to no discomfort during insertion. You may experience a brief muscle twitch, a mild ache, or a sensation of heaviness — all signs that the treatment is working.