Magnetic therapy fails to ease slipped disc pain in new study

NCT ID NCT07263737

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

Summary

This study tested whether adding pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to standard physical therapy could reduce nerve pain and disability in people with a slipped disc in the lower back. Forty-six patients completed the trial, receiving either real or fake PEMF alongside usual care. While both groups improved, the PEMF group did not show any meaningful extra benefit for pain, flexibility, or quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy delivered via a device

What this could lead to

If it had worked, PEMF therapy could have offered a non-drug option to ease nerve pain and improve daily function for people with a slipped disc.

What could go wrong

This small, completed trial found that adding PEMF to standard physical therapy did not provide any extra benefit for pain, disability, or quality of life. The results are clear: no advantage over placebo.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

neuralgia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine Clinic

    Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)