Electroacupuncture for treating discogenic low back pain
Official title: The Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture Compared With Sham Acupuncture in Patients With Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Beijing Hospital · NCT06703671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if electroacupuncture can help people aged 18 to 70 with disc-related low back pain feel better and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Beijing Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06703671 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 diagnosed with discogenic low back pain and experiencing moderate to severe pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe underlying conditions such as spinal tumors, infections, or those who have had recent spinal surgeries may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in treating discogenic low back pain (DLBP), a common condition caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either electroacupuncture or sham acupuncture to assess pain relief and functional improvement. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of electroacupuncture as a non-invasive treatment option for DLBP. The trial will include individuals aged 18 to 70 who experience significant pain levels as measured by a visual analog scale.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new, effective non-pharmacological option for patients suffering from discogenic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in managing chronic pain, suggesting potential success for this approach, although the specific use of electroacupuncture for DLBP is less commonly tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. It meets the diagnostic criteria of discogenic low back pain 2. Betweening 18 and 70 years of age (both 18 and 70) and of either sex 3. Visual analog score (VAS) for low back pain ≥40 mm within the last 1 month Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with symptoms such as lower limb numbness, weakness and claudication as shown by lumbar disc herniation pressing the spinal nerve on imaging 2. Lumbar tuberculosis, tumor, infection, spinal fracture, lumbar spondylolisthesis, severe osteoporosis 3. Patients with a history of spinal and intervertebral disc surgery 4. Patients with rheumatism, rheumatoid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, hematopoietic system, endocrine system and psychiatric diseases 5. Patients who have received radiofrequency, minimally invasive, ozone, small needle-knife, acupuncture, manipulation, traction, block therapy and other clinical trials within the last 1 month 6. Patients with severe needle fainting intolerance 7. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding 8. People with a history of opioid analgesics, sedatives and hypnotics and alcohol abuse 9. Patients who plan to undergo acupuncture, massage, traction and other treatments related to this disease and other clinical research trials within 3 months of participating in the study 10. Patients with skin damage or infection, concomitant bleeding tendency, tumor metastasis, serious heart disease, or embedded pacemaker
Where it's running
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Beijing Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Guodong Ni, MMed
- Email: nigd4785@126.com
- Phone: +8618601349676
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.