Could a daily ear zap ease your back pain?
NCT ID NCT05639270
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether using a special ear electrode for 30 minutes each day could help people with long-lasting low back pain. The device gently stimulates the vagus nerve, which is known to affect pain and mood. Thirty adults with chronic low back pain that hadn't improved with other treatments used the device and had their pain and disability 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
auricular electrode (vagal nerve stimulation device)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-drug daily treatment to reduce chronic low back pain and improve daily function.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 30 people and no comparison group, so results may not be reliable or apply to everyone. The device may cause discomfort or not help pain at all.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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
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Locations
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CHU Montpellier
Montpellier, France, 34295, France
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CHU Nîmes - Le Grau du Roi
Nîmes, 30240, France