Study of Electrical Stimulation of the Sciatic Nerve and Exercise Therapy for Long-Term Low-Back Related Leg Pain Sciatica in Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation PENS combined with therapeutic exercise for people suffering from long-term low-back related leg pain, often called sciatica. Sciatica is caused by nerve irritation or compression in the lower spine, leading to symptoms like shooting or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg. Many people continue to experience this pain for months or years, and current treatments such as medications or surgery may not provide lasting relief, prompting the need for new, non-drug, non-surgical options. Participants in this randomized, controlled, double-blind study will be assigned to one of four groups PENS with placebo Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation TENS, real TENS with placebo PENS, real dry needling without electrical stimulation combined with placebo TENS, or placebo versions of both PENS and TENS. PENS involves thin needles inserted near the sciatic nerve guided by ultrasound, with gentle electrical stimulation applied for 30 minutes. The other groups receive either real or sham versions of electrical or needle treatments. All participants will also engage in a structured exercise program focused on strengthening the lower back, pelvis, and legs, including exercises like curl-ups, planks, bridges, bird-dogs, and squats, supervised weekly for six weeks with guidance for home practice. During the study, participants will be assessed before treatment, at the end of the 6-week program, and again at 3 and 6 months. Researchers will measure pain levels, disability affecting daily activities, quality of life, nerve-related pain features, global improvement, and any side effects. Safety will be closely monitored, with experienced therapists using sterile needles and ultrasound guidance to reduce risks. This study seeks to determine if PENS combined with exercise offers better relief and improved function compared to other treatments for sciatica-related leg pain.

Efficacy of Sciatic Nerve Electrical Stimulation and Therapeutic Exercise in the Management of Low-back Related Leg Pain