Could a gentle zap to the ear ease stubborn back pain?

NCT ID NCT07681336

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a wearable device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can help people with long-term, hard-to-treat low back pain. Adults aged 30 to 60 with moderate to severe pain for over six months will either receive standard care alone or standard care plus the ear stimulation device for six weeks. Researchers will measure changes in daily function, pain, sleep, and quality of life, and follow participants for a year to see if any benefits last.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

auricular vagus nerve stimulation device (VIVO®)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a drug-free option to help people with stubborn back pain move better and feel less pain.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial, so results may not apply to everyone. The device may not work better than standard care, and some people may find the ear stimulation uncomfortable.

Disclaimer Read more

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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As listed by the trial registrant

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

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • AZ Maria Middelares

    RECRUITING

    Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, 9000, Belgium

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••