Ear zap device could ease back pain without drugs
NCT ID NCT07628179
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a wearable device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can help people with chronic low back pain. Half of the 44 participants will receive standard care (physical therapy, exercise, and education) plus the device; the other half will receive standard care alone. The study will measure changes in disability, pain, and quality of life over 4 weeks of treatment and up to 6 months of follow-up.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (pVNS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new drug-free option to reduce disability and improve quality of life for people with chronic low back pain.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study (44 people) testing feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. The device may not provide meaningful pain relief, and results may not apply to everyone.
Disclaimer
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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.
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: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Klagenfurt, Carinthia, 9020, Austria
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••