Imagined acupuncture for postoperative pain after spine surgery
Official title: Assessing the Efficacy of Imagined Acupuncture for Postoperative Acute Pain Management in Spinal Surgery
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07197710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 30-minute video-guided imagined acupuncture session delivered daily for 7 days after spine surgery is being tested to see if it helps reduce pain and opioid use for adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 19, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 19, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07197710 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) undergoing 1- to 2-level primary spine surgery who are able to view videos and complete assessments and provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with revisions, multilevel (>3 levels) surgery, prior spine surgery, significant cognitive or psychiatric conditions, pregnancy, or vision impairments affecting video viewing may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares video-guided imagined acupuncture to a standard education video in adults undergoing 1-2 level primary spine surgery. Participants view a 30-minute VGAIT session once daily for seven days after surgery and complete pain and function assessments during hospitalization and after discharge. The trial aims to determine if imagery-based acupuncture can improve pain control and reduce analgesic consumption in the immediate postoperative period. The study is conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital with a lead investigator from the institution and has specific eligibility criteria related to surgery type and cognitive ability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a nonpharmacologic option to improve pain control and reduce opioid use after spine surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Imagery-based analgesic approaches have shown mixed results; this study tests a specific VGAIT method in postoperative spine patients to establish feasibility and effectiveness.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Undergoing 1- to 2-level primary spine surgery * Aged 18 years or older * Willing and able to receive postoperative imagined acupuncture (VGAIT) * Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Undergoing revision surgery or procedures involving more than 3 spinal levels * History of prior spinal surgery * Intraoperative complications likely to interfere with postoperative pain assessment * Diagnosed with severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders that impair participation or communication * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Unable to cooperate with treatment or pain assessments Individuals with uncorrectable vision impairment that would interfere with viewing study videos or completing study questionnaires.
Where it's running
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jingping Wang Associate Professor
- Email: JWANG23@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6176432729
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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.