Mind over pain: new study tests if spinal stimulation is just a placebo
NCT ID NCT07330466
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 04, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study aims to find out if spinal cord stimulation (SCS) truly reduces pain or if the effect is just due to patients' expectations. Twenty-five adults with chronic pain who already have an SCS implant will take part in four test sessions. During each session, the stimulator will be turned on or off without the patient knowing, and they will rate their pain. The goal is to separate the real treatment effect from the placebo effect.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Started
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Sep 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients (\>18 years of age) with SCS implanted to treat chronic pain. * Patients who consent to participation and can cooperate in the study. * Use of continuous paresthesia-free SCS for minimum 6 months prior to participation in the study. * Pain score of 7 or less on a 0-10 scale in the most painful area treated with SCS, rated upon inclusion. * Patients not receiving other neuromodulation treatment. * Patients who have not undergone changes in their (pain relevant) medication during the last 30 days (pro necessitate medication allowed).
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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
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Aarhus University Hospital
Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
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