Investigating the effects of placebo in low back pain treatment

Open-label Placebo in Manual Therapies: a Pilot Study.

Phase 2 Interventional Studio Osteopatico Busto Arsizio · NCT06306742

This study is testing whether an open-label placebo can help adults with chronic low back pain feel better compared to a hands-on treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStudio Osteopatico Busto Arsizio Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saronno, Varese)
Trial IDNCT06306742 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to explore the effects of an open-label placebo in patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. Participants will receive either an open-label placebo or osteopathic manipulative treatment to assess the impact of placebo on their pain levels. The study focuses on adults who have experienced low back pain for at least three months, excluding those with specific pathologies or recent treatments that could interfere with results. By examining the placebo effect, the trial seeks to enhance understanding of treatment efficacy in managing low back pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with chronic non-specific low back pain lasting at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with specific spinal pathologies, recent surgeries, or those currently receiving other treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the therapeutic potential of placebo effects in managing chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results regarding the placebo effect in pain management, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Adult patients (+18 years) who complain of chronic non-specific low back pain for at least 3 months with or without pain exacerbations at the time of recruitment, will be included.

-Patients will need to have a diagnosis of low back pain made by a physician

Exclusion Criteria:

* pathologies such as ankylosing spondylitis, infections, fractures, tumors or metastases.
* Pregnant women
* patients with previous spinal surgery or undergoing cortisone therapy in the 6 months prior to the trial
* diseases that may affect the interpretation of results such as fibromyalgia
* patients currently being treated by other specialists or other manual therapists

Where this trial is running

Saronno, Varese

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Low Back Pain, RecurrentPlaceboPlacebo effectOpen-label trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.