Comparing Swiss and Standard Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain
Comparison of Swiss Versus Standard Low Back Acupuncture in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain. A Randomized, Controlled, Single-blind, Monocentric Clinical Study
NA · TCM Ming Dao · NCT05232487
This study is testing whether Swiss acupuncture or standard acupuncture works better to relieve chronic low back pain in adults aged 18 to 75.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 116 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TCM Ming Dao (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bad Zurzach, Aargau) |
| Trial ID | NCT05232487 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Swiss low back acupuncture (SLBA) and standard acupuncture (SA) in treating patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Participants aged 18 to 75 with a clinical diagnosis of CLBP will receive either SLBA or SA to assess pain relief and functional improvement. The study will evaluate the outcomes based on pain intensity and quality of life measures over a specified period. The goal is to determine which acupuncture method provides better relief for chronic low back pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 75 with a clinical diagnosis of chronic low back pain lasting more than three months.
Not a fit: Patients with severe concomitant diseases, recent back surgery, or those currently undergoing other therapies for low back pain may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective acupuncture treatment option for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for acupuncture in treating low back pain, but the specific comparison of Swiss low back acupuncture to standard acupuncture is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female and male participants; * Age between 18 and 75 years; * Clinical diagnosis of CLBP with a disease duration of more than 3 months and an average pain intensity of minimally 4 points on a 11-point pain-numerical rating scale (pain-NRS) on the previous 7 days; * Sufficient knowledge of German to complete the questionnaires. Exclusion Criteria: * All participants who do not meet the above-mentioned inclusion criteria; * History or known severe concomitant diseases (e.g. abdominal aortic aneurysm, heart disease, cancer, psychiatric disorders). * Other causes of low back pain not related to the clinical diagnosis of CLBP including inflammatory, malignant, or autoimmune disease; * Planned or previous back surgery within 6 months * Use of corticosteroids and/or other pain-relieving drugs that act through the central nervous system; * Initiation of another therapy for CLBP within the last 4 weeks, e.g. physiotherapy; * Preceding acupuncture treatment for CLBP during the past 6 months; * Pregnancy; * Participation in another clinical trial.
Where this trial is running
Bad Zurzach, Aargau
- Swiss TCM UNI — Bad Zurzach, Aargau, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Furain, PhD — Swiss University for Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Study coordinator: Michael Furian, PhD
- Email: michael.furian@usz.ch
- Phone: + 41 079 403 75 86
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Chronic Low-back Pain, chronic low back pain, Acupuncture, Standard acupuncture, Swiss low back acupuncture