NCT07652944 · Joe X. Zhang
Trial to Test the Efficacy of Using Magnetic Fields to Stimulate the Back to Treat Chronic Lower Back Pain.
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to see if a new way to treat back pain without the use of medications is effective. We plan use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a wand-like device, to excite the nerves of people with lower back pain to see if we can decrease pain and improve quality of life. This study will have two groups and randomly assign participants to a group.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to see if a new way to treat back pain without the use of medications is effective. We plan use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a wand-like device, to excite the nerves of people with lower back pain to see if we can decrease pain and improve quality of life. This study will have two groups and randomly assign participants to a group. One group will have their back nerves stimulated with the TMS device and the other group will not. Participants will also need to do back exercises at home once a day, and complete questionnaires at each visit before and after each treatment. The total time commitment will be 5 to10 visits with one visit occurring each weekday and each visit lasting up to 30 minutes.
Interventions
DEVICE
peripheral magnetic stimulation
Our stimulation protocol is ssing approximately 0.3 tesla to 0.58 tesla of magnetic power using a variable stimulation frequency between 11ms and 14ms with center value of 13ms between pulses. This translates to estimated values of lower bounds of 71.43 Hz, central value of 83 Hz, and maximum value of 99 Hz .
BEHAVIORAL
Home exercise
All patients will receive a home exercise guide and recommended to perform the stated number of repetitions of those exercises. Exercises include Neutral Curl Up with Straight Leg, Plank on Elbow, and Bird Dog positions.
Primary outcome measures
Visual Analog Scale
Time frame: VAS numbers are obtained at: Baseline, pre-intervention. Immediately before each intervention Immediately after each intervention
Visual Analog Scale or VAS is a common self reported pain measurement scale from 0 - 100 with 0 being pain free and 100 being most pain possible.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosed with chronic low back pain (greater than or equal to 12 weeks) with or without concurrent neck pain.
- Low back pain in the paraspinal region (L1-S2) by asking the patient to point to their area of pain.
- 18 - 64 years old (on the day of informed consent)
- Willing and able to attend all study visits.
- No medication changes for at least 30 days before study enrollment (self-report)
- Eligible for care at participating military treatment facilities
- Able to read and understand English.
- Negative pregnancy test for women capable of pregnancy.
Exclusion criteria
- Diagnosed with low back pain of less than 12 weeks duration
- History of back fractures or surgical repair of the back
- History of depression with vagus nerve stimulation
- Any type of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or rPMS treatment prior to study enrollment.
- Currently using any other adjunctive treatments for chronic back pain such as low-level laser treatment, ultrasound, dry needling, chiropractor manipulations, cervical collars, TENS units, or other stimulation, eastern medicine regimens including Qi Gong or Tai Chi. (Exception: strength building physical therapy, non-neuropathic pain modifiers, and non-anticonvulsant routine pain medicine regimens such as NSAIDS and Acetaminophen are allowed).Scheduled for nerve ablation, dry needling, trigger point injections, nerve block, therapeutic ultrasound, other stimulation, or similar adjunct treatments during the study period.
- Diagnosed with a specific low back pain: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, phantom limb pain, central pain syndrome, spinal cord damage, myofascial pain syndrome, or other more specific diagnosis (at investigators discretion).
- Unstable or poorly controlled mental health diagnosis (e.g., current changes in medication or medical management).
- Dermal or subdermal implants (e.g., aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, ferro magnetic implants, stents, or electrodes, or pacemakers) or any other metal object within or near the site of stimulation which cannot be safely removed.
- Clinically significant abnormality or clinically significant unstable medical condition that, in the investigator's judgment, might pose a potential safety risk to the subject or limit interpretation of the trial results.
- Any condition which, in the judgment of the investigator, would prevent the patient from completing study procedures.
- Younger than 18 years old (on the day of informed consent)
- Older than 64 years old (on the day of informed consent)
- NOT willing or able to attend all study visits.
- Medication changes for back pain less than 30 days prior to study enrollment (self-report)
- NOT eligible for care at participating military treatment facilities
- NOT able to read and understand English.
Where
- Edwards Air Force Base, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations