Actively Recruiting
AuriculoTherapy NeuroImaging
Led by Keith M Vogt · Updated on 2026-02-18
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
195 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This is a clinical study of patients who have low back pain (for at least 6 months). The goal is to understand, with brain imaging, how auriculotherapy (an acupuncture-like stimulation of the ear) may work to relieve pain. There are 4 total study visits, divided into two pairs of visits that occur before and 5-7 days after receiving either a real or sham auriculotherapy treatment. The cryo-IQ device will be used, to stimulate 7 small areas on both ears with a focused jet of cold as a small amount of compressed gas is released. This is generally not painful, and less invasive, compared to using needles for auriculotherapy.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
AuriculoTherapy NeuroImaging
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adult, at least 18 years old
- Chronic low back pain occurring at least daily for 6 months or more
- Average pain score of at least 3 out of 10 in the last week
You will not qualify if you...
- Active lesions, skin disruptions, or neuropathy of either ear
- Analgesic procedures or surgery within 1 month prior to enrollment
- New analgesic or psychoactive medication started within 1 month prior to enrollment
- History of chronic pain in shoulder or thumb
- Illicit drug use within the last 3 months
- Prior substance misuse or abuse
- Diagnosis of cold-activated diseases such as agammaglobulinemia, cold urticaria, cold agglutinin disease, cryofibrinogenemia, cryoglobulinemia, immunosuppression, Raynaud's disease, collagen or autoimmune diseases, multiple myeloma, platelet deficiency disorders, or pyoderma gangrenosum
- Pregnancy or actively trying to conceive
- Implanted metal or electronic device
- Severe claustrophobia
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Carly Riedmann, MPH
CONTACT
A
Amy Monroe, MPH, MBA
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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