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Mind over pain: imagining acupuncture may soothe chronic back pain

NCT ID NCT03765879

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 21, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether watching a video of an avatar receiving acupuncture — and vividly imagining the treatment on oneself — can reduce chronic low back pain. Adults aged 18 to 60 with persistent back pain for over six months will either watch real or sham acupuncture imagery over six sessions. The goal is to see if this mental imagery technique can lower pain severity and improve daily function.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Video-Guided Acupuncture Imagery Treatment (VGAIT) — watching an avatar receive acupuncture and vividly imagining the treatment on oneself
What this could lead to
If effective, this drug-free approach could offer a new way to manage chronic low back pain without needles or medication.
What could go wrong
This is an early study with only 80 participants, and the effect may be due to the placebo response or imagination alone.

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.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States

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