Spinal crack or brain hack? how a Back-Popping maneuver may rewire pain circuits
NCT ID NCT07728149
First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a hands-on spinal manipulation technique, called lever positioning manipulation, can ease the leg and back pain caused by a herniated disc. About 84 adults with a herniated disc will receive either the real manipulation or a sham version three times a week for 12 weeks. Researchers will also use brain scans to see if the treatment changes brain networks linked to pain. The goal is to understand not just whether the technique works, but how it might affect the brain.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a spinal manipulation technique called lever positioning manipulation
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could reveal how spinal manipulation changes the brain to relieve pain, pointing toward more targeted treatments for disc-related back and leg pain.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with a sham comparison, so the real effect may be small or no better than placebo. The brain-scan findings are exploratory and may not lead to clear conclusions.
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
-
The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
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