Does stronger back stretching beat gentle pull for sciatica pain?
NCT ID NCT02091791
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested two levels of lumbar traction (a procedure where the lower back is gently stretched) in 17 people with acute sciatica caused by a herniated disc. The goal was to see if higher pulling force reduces leg pain and improves movement better than lower force. Participants had symptoms for less than 6 weeks, and the study measured pain changes and mobility tests.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- lumbar traction procedure
- What this could lead to
- If high-force traction works better, it could offer a simple, non-surgical way to ease severe leg pain from a slipped disc.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 17 people, so results may not apply widely. Traction might not help, or could even worsen symptoms.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
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Service de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires
Strasbourg, 67098, France