Could a neck device replace itch pills? small study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT06751056
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 10, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This pilot study tests whether daily neck traction can reduce the need for gabapentin or pregabalin in people with neuropathic itch on the scalp, arms, or upper back. Twelve adults will use a home neck traction device for 12 weeks while their medication dose is adjusted based on itch scores. The goal is to see if the device helps control itch enough to lower medication use.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Cervical traction device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to manage neuropathic itch and reduce reliance on gabapentin or pregabalin.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 12 people, so results may not apply widely. It is early and may not show clear benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
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.
- Participants
-
About 12 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jun 2025
- Expected to finish
-
Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria * Persons with scalp, arm, and upper back pruritus without primary skin lesions. * Persons 18 or older. * Person on a stable dosage of gabapentin or pregabalin over the preceding 4 week period. * Persons willing and able to comply with clinic visits and study-related procedures. * Persons willing and able to understand and complete study-related questionnaires. * Persons willing and able to provide voluntary signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria * Primary skin lesions driving scalp, arm, or upper back pruritus. * A history of spinal surgery or other conditions (acute or traumatic spinal injury, spinal instability, spinal fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, metastatic disease to the spine, spinal cord compression, active infections of the head and neck) that would make neck traction contraindicated. * Unable to comfortably lay down on the floor and get back up without assistance. * Medical conditions in which gabapentin and/or pregabalin is contraindicated. * Current enrollment in physical therapy with exercises addressing the cervical spine. * Planned or anticipated use of any prohibited medications or procedures during study treatment. * Presence of skin comorbidities that may interfere with study assessments. * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding or plans to become pregnant or breastfeed during the participation in the study. Persons of childbearing age who are not on reliable contraception will be considered on a case-by-case basis. o Participants of childbearing age who are not on reliable contraception (hormonal contraceptive pills, patch, or ring, intrauterine device, subdermal hormonal implant, tubal ligation, depot medroxyprogesterone injections) will be required to complete monthly urine pregnancy tests. * Severe concomitant illness(es) that, in the investigator's judgment, would adversely affect the patient's participation in the study. Examples include, but are not limited to, a short life expectancy, persons with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 9%), cardiovascular conditions (e.g. stage III or IV cardiac failure), severe renal conditions (e.g. patients on dialysis), debilitating neurological conditions (e.g. demyelinating diseases), active major autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), or other severe endocrinological, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, metabolic, pulmonary, or lymphatic diseases. The specific justification for persons excluded under this criterion will be noted in study documents. * Any other medical or psychological condition (including relevant laboratory abnormalities at screening) that, in the opinion of the investigator, may suggest a new and/or insufficiently understood disease, may present an unreasonable risk to the study patient as a result of his/her participation in this clinical trial, may make participation unreliable, or may interfere with study assessments. The specific justification for persons excluded under this criterion will be noted in study documents.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Pruritus are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Mayo Clinic in Arizona
RECRUITINGScottsdale, Arizona, 85259, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can scalp chemistry explain stubborn itching without dandruff?
- Can a different opioid reduce Post-C-Section itching?
- Can a pill stop the relentless itch of a liver disease? a major trial aims to find out.
- Scientists launch study to unravel mysterious chronic itch
- Dialysis itch relief: could a simple education program be the answer?
- Can cannabis oil stop severe itching? new trial aims to find out