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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34186, Turkey (Türkiye)
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