Can electroacupuncture soothe back pain without drugs?

NCT ID NCT06703671

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether electroacupuncture (acupuncture with mild electric pulses) can safely reduce pain and improve function in people with disc-related low back pain. 240 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham electroacupuncture over 4 weeks, then followed for up to 24 weeks. The goal is to see if this non-drug approach offers real relief compared to a placebo-like procedure.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
electroacupuncture
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a safe, non-drug option for managing discogenic low back pain.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-sized trial comparing electroacupuncture to a sham procedure, so any benefit may be due to placebo. The treatment is not a cure and may not help everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Beijing Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100730, China

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