New hope for chronic back pain: electric pulses vs. steroid shots

NCT ID NCT07709689

First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) — a procedure that uses electrical pulses to calm nerves — can relieve sacroiliac joint pain better than standard steroid injections. Adults aged 18 to 65 with chronic pain lasting at least 6 months and a pain score above 5 out of 10 are eligible. Participants will receive either a steroid injection or PRF, and pain levels will be measured after one month.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) or conventional steroid injection
What this could lead to
If PRF proves more effective, it could offer longer-lasting pain relief for people with sacroiliac joint pain, reducing the need for repeat injections.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. PRF is still experimental for this condition, and its benefits over standard care are not yet proven.

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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

Study contacts

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