Effectiveness of the Ultrasound-Guided Interfascial Injection Applied in Addition to Physical Therapy Applications in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Anatomical and histological features of the thoracolumbar fascia may play an active role in chronic low back pain (LBP). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of interfascial injection in patients with LBP. Methods: Sixty participants with chronic LBP were recruited for this study. The patients were allocated to 2 groups: physical therapy (PT) (n = 30) and PT + interfascial injection (IFI) (n = 31, 10mL (0.25% bupiva- caine) + methylprednisolone (40 mg) injection into the middle layer between the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae muscle). Outcome measures involved performing Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scoring on study participants at pretreatment (PRT), as well as posttreatment at months first, second, fourth, and sixth. Results: In both groups, NRS and ODI scores were statistically significantly lower than PRT values at the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth months. (P < .05) NRS and ODI scores were significantly lower in the IFI and PT groups compared to the PT group at the first, second, fourth, and sixth months. (P < .05). Conclusion: The study result shows that IFI applied to the middle layer of the thoracolumbar fascia may be effective in individuals with chronic LBP. The effect of fascial structures on LBP should be further investigated.