Alcohol gel vs steroid: which injection eases disc pain longer?
NCT ID NCT03415828
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two types of injections for people with long-term low back pain caused by one or two damaged discs. One injection uses an ethanol gel (DISCOGEL), the other uses a steroid. Both are already approved and used in practice. The goal is to see which provides better pain relief over time, with 230 participants followed for two years.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ethanol gel (DISCOGEL) and prednisolone acetate (steroid)
- What this could lead to
- If DISCOGEL works better than steroids, it could offer a longer-lasting, non-surgical option for people with chronic disc-related back pain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a post-market study confirming existing use, not a breakthrough. The ethanol gel is already on the market, so results may not show a major advantage over steroids. Pain relief varies and some people may not respond.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LUMBAR DISCOGENIC PAIN (DISORDER) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Locations
-
Hospital Pellegrin
RECRUITINGBordeaux, France
-
Hospital SUD La Reunion
RECRUITINGSaint-Pierre, France
-
Hospital St-Dié-des-Vosges
TERMINATEDSaint-Dié, France
-
Hospital St-Etienne
RECRUITINGSaint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
-
Hospital Valence
TERMINATEDValence, France