Acupuncture vs. pills: which works better for slipped discs?

NCT ID NCT06024460

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Jaseng Medical Foundation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study compares non-drug treatments (acupuncture, spinal manipulation) with standard medications (painkillers, injections) for people with a herniated disc in the lower back who have had pain for at least a month. 200 adults aged 19-69 will be randomly assigned to one of the two approaches and followed for 3 years. The goal is to see which strategy provides better long-term pain relief and function.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that non-drug treatments like acupuncture and spinal manipulation work as well as or better than medications for herniated disc pain, offering a drug-free option.
What could go wrong: This is a pragmatic trial comparing existing treatments, not testing a new breakthrough. Results may not apply to all patients, and pain relief varies individually.

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.

Intervertebral Disc Displacement lumbar disk disease lumbar disk herniation, susceptibility to

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Bucheon Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine
RECRUITING

Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14598, South Korea
Daejeon Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine
RECRUITING

Daejeon, South Korea
Haeundae Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine
RECRUITING

Busan, South Korea
Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine
RECRUITING

Seoul, Gangnam-Gu, 135-896, South Korea

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