Brain zaps may ease stubborn back pain without drugs
NCT ID NCT07468799
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation technique called rTMS can reduce chronic low back pain. Thirty adults with long-lasting pain received multiple sessions of rTMS over the brain's motor cortex. Researchers measured pain changes using a standard pain scale before and after treatment. The goal is to see if this device can offer a drug-free option for people whose pain doesn't respond to usual treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug, non-invasive way to ease chronic low back pain for people who don't get relief from standard treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 30 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the pain relief might be modest or temporary.
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
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30 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- 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 to 65 years
- Sex
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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: * Adults aged 18-65 years * Diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria * Experiencing neuropathic pain or chronic pain symptoms * Stable psychiatric medication for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment * Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of epilepsy or seizure disorders * Presence of metallic implants in the head * Severe neurological disorders * Substance abuse within the past 6 months * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Contraindications to rTMS therapy
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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
-
Hasanuddin University
Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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