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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
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
Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Hospital Pellegrin
RECRUITINGBordeaux, France
Contact
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Hospital SUD La Reunion
RECRUITINGSaint-Pierre, France
Contact
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Hospital St-Dié-des-Vosges
TERMINATEDSaint-Dié, France
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Hospital St-Etienne
RECRUITINGSaint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
Contact
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Hospital Valence
TERMINATEDValence, France