Acupuncture's hidden effects: new study peers inside muscles with PET scans
NCT ID NCT07494162
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study will test whether acupuncture can improve pain and function in people with chronic low back pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome. Sixty-four adults will receive either real acupuncture or sham (fake) acupuncture for eight weeks. Researchers will use full-body PET/CT scans to see if acupuncture changes metabolism and blood flow in painful muscle areas. The goal is to understand how acupuncture works, not to prove it is a cure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Acupuncture
What this could lead to
If it works, this could show how acupuncture changes muscle tissue and blood flow, pointing toward better ways to treat chronic low back pain.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study focused on imaging, not a proven treatment. The results may not lead to a new therapy, and sham acupuncture may show similar effects.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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UC Davis EXPLORER Molecular Imaging Center
RECRUITINGSacramento, California, 95816, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••