Could a gentle brain zap plus exercise ease stubborn back pain?
NCT ID NCT06969456
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether adding a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS to a structured exercise program can reduce pain and disability in adults with chronic spinal pain that hasn't improved with usual care. Forty-two participants will be randomly assigned to receive either tDCS plus exercise or exercise alone. The goal is to see if the combination leads to better pain relief, movement, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus motor control exercises
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-drug, non-surgical option to reduce pain and improve daily function for people with chronic spinal pain who haven't gotten relief from standard treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a small early-stage trial with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The added benefit of tDCS over exercise alone is uncertain, and individual responses can vary.
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: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Catholic Univerity of Valencia
RECRUITINGValencia, Valencia, 46001, Spain
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••