Deep heat or needles? new study seeks best quick fix for back pain

NCT ID NCT05422040

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

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares two treatments for chronic low back pain: diathermy (a deep heating therapy) and dry needling (inserting thin needles into tight muscles). Sixty adults with pain lasting over 6 weeks will receive two sessions of one treatment. Researchers will check pain, disability, and fear of movement at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months to see which works better in the short term.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: diathermy (deep heat therapy) and dry needling (fine needles into muscle)
What this could lead to: If diathermy works better, it could offer a new, non-invasive option for quick pain relief in chronic low back pain.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 people and two treatment sessions, so results may not apply widely. Both treatments are generally safe but can cause temporary soreness.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Back Pain Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LOW BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Centro Investigación Fisioterapia y Dolor
RECRUITING

Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28805, Spain

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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