Pain along the back rim of the pelvis (iliac crest)
Point-specific tenderness near the posterior iliac crest that can reproduce your “main pain” with firm palpation, often described as sharp, burning, or electric rather than deep and achy.
The cluneal nerves are sensory nerves that cross the back of the pelvis and the top of the gluteal region. When these nerves become irritated where they traverse fascial borders, ligamentous attachments, or tight soft tissue, the result can look like a “low back problem” even when the spine itself is not the primary driver. This is a functional pain mechanism: local mechanical irritation plus a sensitized nerve that becomes more reactive with pressure, hip hinging, prolonged sitting, or repetitive extension and rotation.
Cluneal nerve irritation can refer pain into the posterior iliac crest, upper glute, and lateral hip. It can mimic sacroiliac pain and can overlap with sciatica-like symptoms, especially when the surrounding gluteal and deep hip rotators become protective and hypertonic. In many cases, the most useful differentiator is not an imaging finding. It is the on-table exam: reproducing the exact symptoms with palpation along the nerve’s course and clarifying what movements load the tissue versus what relieves it.
Standard care often treats the label rather than the driver. Anti-inflammatories and injections can reduce symptoms temporarily but may not change the mechanical irritation at the nerve’s crossing points or the protective muscle guarding that keeps reloading the area. Imaging can be helpful for ruling in or ruling out structural pathology, but it frequently does not capture peripheral nerve irritation or soft tissue interface problems. When care is guided mainly by MRI findings, patients can end up with a disc-centric plan even when the pain behaves like a superficial sensory nerve entrapment.
Likewise, generic core strengthening can be useful but insufficient if your system cannot tolerate load due to ongoing nerve sensitivity, hip rotator overactivity, and poor lumbopelvic coordination. The gap is hands-on differentiation, targeted decompression of the irritated tissues, and a graded return to function that respects both nerve reactivity and performance demands.
Evaluation is centered on differentiating cluneal nerve irritation from lumbar radiculopathy, sacroiliac joint pain, facet-mediated pain, and primary hip pathology. This is done through a structured history, movement testing, and hands-on tissue assessment.
Pattern screening: What positions flare symptoms (sitting, hip hinge, extension, rotation) and what reliably calms them.
Neurologic red flag screen: Strength, reflexes, and sensory testing to identify patterns that warrant medical evaluation.
Palpation and nerve tracking: Targeted palpation along the posterior iliac crest and upper glute to reproduce the patient’s recognizable pain and map sensitivity across the nerve’s course.
Differential testing: Exam findings that help separate superficial cluneal nerve pain from discogenic/radicular patterns, including how symptoms respond to local compression, movement bias, and hip loading.
Imaging context: If you already have imaging, it is used to rule in or out structural concerns, but clinical findings guide the functional plan.
Red flags: Seek urgent medical evaluation for progressive weakness, expanding numbness, saddle anesthesia, fever with severe back pain, significant unplanned weight loss, history of cancer, or any bowel or bladder changes (including new retention or incontinence).
Not necessarily. Sciatica is often used to describe radiating leg symptoms and can involve lumbar nerve root irritation. Cluneal nerve irritation is typically a superficial sensory nerve problem over the posterior pelvis and upper glute. The patterns can overlap, which is why hands-on differentiation and neurologic screening are important.
Yes. MRI can be excellent for discs, stenosis, and other structural findings, but it often does not show superficial nerve irritation at fascial or ligamentous crossing points. Clinical reproduction of your symptoms with palpation and movement testing is frequently more informative for this specific pattern.
We map your pain behavior with movement testing, screen neurologic function, and palpate along the posterior iliac crest and upper glute to see whether we can reproduce your recognizable pain. We also test hip loading and lumbopelvic control to identify the mechanical setup that keeps re-irritating the nerve interface.
Frequency depends on irritability and how long the pattern has been present. Many people start with 1 to 2 visits per week for a short period, then taper as symptoms become more predictable and you can load the system with less reactivity. The plan is adjusted based on objective tolerance markers, not a preset package.
They can help modulate pain, reduce protective muscle guarding, and improve local tissue sensitivity that contributes to nerve irritation. The goal is not to chase symptoms randomly, but to treat the specific tissues that reproduce your pain pattern and then rebuild function so the irritation does not keep returning.
Seek urgent evaluation for progressive weakness, rapidly worsening or spreading numbness, saddle anesthesia, bowel or bladder changes (new retention or incontinence), fever with severe back pain, major trauma, or other systemic red flags. This clinic’s care is complementary and focused on functional drivers, not a substitute for urgent or medically necessary workup.
While acupuncture does not hurt, you may feel a “de qi” sensation—a deep, dull ache or heaviness at the point of insertion when the thin needles stimulate the connective tissue and nervous system. This is a natural and effective part of the acupuncture treatment, indicating that the acupuncture point is being activated. The patient is always in control, and most find these sensations well-tolerated or enjoyable. Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
Most people feel a quick twitch or brief pinch during a dry needling session as the needle interacts with myofascial trigger points or muscle fibers in the affected area, but it’s usually well tolerated and any muscle soreness fades quickly—many patients say the relief is worth it. Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
The benefits of dry needling are numerous, especially for pain management. This treatment method effectively targets myofascial trigger points within tight muscles, helping to release muscle tension, improve muscle function and range of motion, and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It can be particularly effective for soft tissue injuries, overuse injuries, and chronic pain conditions like myofascial pain syndrome by addressing the root causes of discomfort in specific areas of the body. Many find it helps accelerate recovery time from a muscle strain or injury. Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
This varies based on the patient’s medical history and condition, but many patients see results over time depending on their condition. Pain-related conditions often initially have quick results, though recovery time can differ. This will be discussed during the initial consultation. Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
Yes, acupuncture and dry needling complement most standard medical treatments, including physical therapy treatments or chiropractic care, and Dr. Barber can collaborate with other healthcare providers as needed. Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
The first acupuncture appointment or dry needling session includes a detailed initial consultation where Dr. Barber reviews the medical history, discusses specific needs and musculoskeletal condition, performs an assessment, and provides the first personalized treatment option. Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
Yes, I treat adults, teens, and children (though I do not specialize in infants or toddlers). I’m experienced in working with sensitive issues and strive to create a welcoming, inclusive space for all patients, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community. For pelvic floor patients who are post-operative following gender-affirming surgery, I do not have specialized training in this area, but if you’re able to provide detailed surgical notes, I’m open to collaborating and finding safe, supportive treatment solutions together. Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
Yes — we are an out-of-network provider and can submit to most PPO insurance plans. While we are not contracted with any insurance companies, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to use your benefits when available.
We do not participate with Medicare or Medicaid, including Part C out-of-network coverage.
✔ Claims Submitted on Your Behalf
We now submit out-of-network claims directly to your insurance company as a courtesy to help streamline your reimbursement process. Payment is due at the time of service, and reimbursement (if any) is sent directly to you based on your plan’s coverage.
✔ Complimentary Insurance Verification
We offer free verification of your out-of-network benefits before your first visit so you know what to expect. Please note that benefit verification is not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Click Here for our verification form.
✔ FSA & HSA Payments Accepted
We accept Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for all eligible services.
✔ For Your Records: CPT Codes We Commonly Use
If you prefer to call your insurer yourself, you can ask about out-of-network acupuncture benefits using the following commonly billed CPT codes:
99202 – New patient evaluation (approx. 20 min)
99203 – New patient evaluation (approx. 30 min)
97810 – Acupuncture, initial 15 min (no electrical stimulation)
97811 – Acupuncture, each additional 15 min (no electrical stimulation)
97813 – Acupuncture, initial 15 min (with electrical stimulation)
97814 – Acupuncture, each additional 15 min (with electrical stimulation)
20560 – Dry needling, 1–2 muscles
20561 – Dry needling, 3+ muscles
97140 – Manual therapy (e.g., myofascial release, trigger point therapy)
We do not follow up with insurance companies after claim submission, and we cannot guarantee reimbursement. However, we are happy to provide treatment notes or documentation upon request to support your claim if needed.
We do not participate with Medicare or Medicaid, including Part C out-of-network coverage. Medicaid Advantage may provide some reimbursement.
If you have secondary out-of-network coverage, this may be an option for reimbursement.
Yes, I offer a free phone-based Q&A session to see if we are the right fit to work together. This is an opportunity to address your questions and ensure that my approach aligns with your health goals. You may book your Q&A session here: Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
Most people feel a quick muscle movement (that local twitch response we talked about), a brief cramp, or a dull ache. Some spots might be a bit more sensitive, but overall, it’s usually not too uncomfortable. Dr. Barber is very careful to make the effective treatment as beneficial as possible with minimal discomfort.
How many treatment sessions you’ll need depends on your specific problem, how long you’ve had it, and your general health. Some issues get better after just a few visits, but long-term or tricky conditions might need more treatment. Dr. Barber will talk with you about your personal treatment plan during your first visit. The effectiveness of dry needling can vary, but many find it an effective treatment for trigger point therapy.
When done by a trained expert like Dr. Barber, who is among the licensed acupuncturists also skilled in this Western medicine technique, dry needling is very safe. We always use clean, new needles for each patient and follow strict healthcare safety rules. Dr. Barber will ask about your health history to make sure it’s safe for you, especially if you take blood thinners or have a weakened immune system (compromised immune systems).
It’s a good idea to have eaten something before you come. Wear comfy, loose clothes so Dr. Barber can easily reach the area that needs treatment. And please, bring any questions you have about your condition or the dry needling treatment! Schedule an Appointment or Free Phone Consultation
Generally, no. For most people and most conditions, expertly performed dry needling is highly effective without ultrasound guidance. While ultrasound can be a helpful tool in rare, very specific situations, research suggests it doesn’t necessarily make dry needling treatment more effective for common trigger points.³ Dr. Barber relies on his extensive training, precise anatomical knowledge, and years of experience to deliver safe and effective treatment. Some clinics may push for routine ultrasound guidance, but this can often lead to unnecessary costs. For a more detailed explanation, you can read Dr. Barber’s article: Do You Need Ultrasound Guided Dry Needling?
Pelvic floor dry needling is a targeted treatment using thin filiform needles to release trigger points and muscle tension in the pelvic floor. It may help reduce pain, improve muscle function, and restore normal movement patterns.
Most patients feel a brief muscle twitch or cramp-like sensation during treatment. Discomfort is usually short-lived and often followed by a feeling of release or relief.
We maintain your comfort and privacy while working within your boundaries. Depending on the location being treated, undressing may be needed, but always with appropriate draping/covering. Internal examination and techniques are not performed or required.
Yes. I treat adults of all genders and identities. I provide a welcoming, inclusive environment. For post-operative gender-affirming care involving the pelvic floor, please bring surgical notes so we can assess appropriateness and safety together as each patient is very unique.
The number of treatments varies depending on the condition, its severity, and your response. Many patients notice improvement within 3–6 sessions, though complex cases may require longer-term care.
Yes, when performed by a trained, licensed provider with experience in pelvic anatomy. All needles are sterile and single-use. The procedure is precise and tailored to your needs and comfort level.
In NY State the only providers legally allowed to perform dry needling are Medical Doctors (MD), Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Nurse Practitioners (NP), Physician Assistants (PA), and Acupuncturists (LAc). It is forbidden by the State Board for Chiropractors (DC) and Physical Therapists (PTs) to perform dry needling regardless of their training. For your safety, please choose a provider that is both properly trained and legally allowed to perform the technique.
Most pelvic floor conditions do benefit from dry needling, especially those involving muscle tension, trigger points, or nerve irritation. However, I require all pelvic floor patients to have an active diagnosis from a qualified medical provider or pelvic floor physical therapist. This is because dry needling is often just one part of the overall treatment strategy—it works best when integrated with a broader care plan that may include physical therapy, medical management, or other interventions. My goal is to ensure that dry needling is applied safely and appropriately as part of a comprehensive approach tailored to your specific diagnosis.
We also offer house calls and after-hours appointments by arrangement.
Private Access & House Calls →Ready when you are.
Limited spots each week — book now to reserve yours.
118 W. 72nd St, Rear Lobby, New York, NY 10023
Evidence-based acupuncture and dry needling on the Upper West Side. From chronic pain and headaches to pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Jordan Barber pairs the highest level of training with care that actually listens.
Member Clinic
An independent practice and member of New York Acupuncture Group, sharing clinical space and operations in Manhattan.
This site does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health. Read our full disclaimer.