Can zapping nerves ease back pain? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07222462

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

The ASTRAL study is testing whether radiofrequency ablation, a procedure that uses heat to quiet certain nerves, can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers will compare two types of ablation to a fake (sham) procedure in 300 adults. The main goal is to see if the real treatments lead to less disability over time.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: radiofrequency ablation
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a non-surgical option for people with chronic low back pain who haven't found relief from other treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a single trial with a sham control, so results may not apply to everyone. The procedure carries risks like nerve damage or infection, and the benefit may be small or temporary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN (CLBP)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cleveland Clinic
RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
Emory Musculoskeletal Institute
RECRUITING

Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
University of Utah Orthopaedic Center/PM&R
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States

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