Can meditation and a gentle ear zap ease back pain and depression?

NCT ID NCT07415941

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Florida State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether combining mindfulness meditation with a mild nerve stimulation device (applied to the ear) can help older adults manage chronic low back pain and depressive symptoms. Participants will practice daily at home for 8 weeks. The goal is to see if this drug-free approach reduces pain intensity and improves mood.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: mindfulness meditation and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, drug-free way to reduce pain and improve mood for older adults with chronic back pain.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 66 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatments require daily commitment, and benefits may be modest.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Florida State University
RECRUITING

Tallahassee, Florida, 32306, United States

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