Ear freeze for back pain? scientists scan brain to find out
NCT ID NCT06825390
First seen Feb 18, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 17 times
Summary
This study is testing whether a quick cold spray on specific ear points can change how the brain processes chronic low back pain. Sixty adults with back pain for at least 6 months will get either real or fake (sham) ear stimulation. Researchers will use brain scans (fNIRS and MRI) to compare brain activity before and after treatment. The goal is to understand the mechanism, not to prove pain relief.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LOW BACK PAIN are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
cryo-auriculotherapy (cold gas applied to ear points)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could help explain how ear stimulation relieves pain, potentially leading to better non-drug treatments for chronic back pain.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study focused on brain changes, not pain relief. It may not show a clear benefit, and results may not apply to everyone with back pain.
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.