Needle combo may ease stubborn back pain without drugs

NCT ID NCT07530042

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether combining electroacupuncture (using mild electric pulses on needles) with ear acupressure (using small seeds on ear points) can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain. 76 adults aged 40-70 with pain lasting at least 12 weeks will receive either the real combination or a sham version for 14 days. The goal is to see if this drug-free approach offers meaningful relief.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: electroacupuncture and auricular acupressure (Vaccaria segetalis seeds)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a safe, drug-free option to ease chronic low back pain and improve daily function.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 76 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and the benefit over sham treatment could be small or absent.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spondylosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN (CLBP) LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Physical Therapy, Le Van Thinh Hospital, 130 Le Van Thinh Street

Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Trung Ward, Vietnam

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