Could a sugar water shot beat steroids for back pain?
NCT ID NCT07528794
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether injecting a sugar solution (dextrose) into the small joints of the lower back can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain. Sixty adults aged 40-70 with facet joint arthritis were randomly assigned to receive dextrose, steroid, or saline injections. Researchers measured pain and disability at 1 and 3 months to see if dextrose works better than the other treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
dextrose injection (5% dextrose)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost injection option for people with chronic low back pain from facet joint arthritis.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed trial with only 60 participants and short-term follow-up (3 months). Results may not apply to everyone, and the benefit over placebo is uncertain.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34186, Turkey (Türkiye)