Which needle angle wins for back pain? trial tests two techniques Head-to-Head
NCT ID NCT03912519
First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial compares two ways of performing a procedure called lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy for chronic low back pain. One method uses a parallel needle placement with larger electrodes, while the other uses a perpendicular placement with smaller needles. The goal is to see which technique provides better and longer-lasting pain relief in people whose pain comes from the facet joints in the lower back.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- radiofrequency neurotomy (nerve heating procedure)
- What this could lead to
- If one technique proves superior, it could lead to more effective and longer-lasting pain relief for people with chronic low back pain from facet joints.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage comparison study. Even if one technique works better, results may not apply to all back pain patients, and some people may not respond at all.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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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Locations
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States
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