Shock without drugs: nerve zap eases back pain?

NCT ID NCT03959111

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a device that stimulates a nerve in the ear to treat chronic low back pain. 70 adults used the device daily for four weeks. Researchers measured changes in pain intensity and physical disability to see if this drug-free approach could help.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free option to ease chronic low back pain and reduce reliance on painkillers like opioids.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early study with no control group, so results may not be reliable. The device may not work for everyone, and benefits could be due to a placebo effect.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LOW BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Massachusetts General Hospital

Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States

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