Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1
Age: 35Years +
All Genders
ID07296653

Efficacy of Prolotherapy in Acupoints in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain (cLBP) - A Randomized Control Trial

Led by National and Kapodistrian University of Athens · Updated on 2025-12-22

60

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

8 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

Sponsors

N

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Lead Sponsor

A

Attikon Hospital

Collaborating Sponsor

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a common and disabling condition that often does not respond well to standard treatments like medications and physical therapy. This research evaluates whether combining prolotherapy using a 15% dextrose solution with 1% lidocaine injections at specific lumbar acupuncture points is more effective than using lidocaine injections alone. The trial is a single-blind randomized controlled study aiming to improve pain and function in adults with CNSLBP. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving injections of dextrose plus lidocaine, and the other receiving lidocaine only. Each participant will undergo up to 15 ultrasound-guided injections at standardized acupuncture points in the lumbar region during three sessions spaced over four weeks. The study uses precise injection techniques and standardized locations to assess the added value of dextrose in prolotherapy. Throughout the study, participants will complete assessments of pain severity, disability, and physical function using various validated tools at baseline and multiple follow-up points up to 90 days post-treatment. Safety will be monitored by recording any injection-related side effects. The study will provide detailed information on the effectiveness and tolerability of the treatments, with total participation lasting several months including treatment and follow-up visits.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Prolotherapy in Acupoints in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain (cLBP)

Who Can Participate

Age: 35Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Body Mass Index (BMI) up to 45 kg/m2
  • Diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain lasting more than 3 months without specific pathological findings
  • Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score greater than 3 out of 10 for at least 3 months prior to the study
  • Positive response to at least one muscle strength or mobility assessment test related to low back pain
  • Availability of radiological imaging such as MRI, CT, or X-rays as appropriate
  • Signed written consent prior to injection of pharmaceutical agents
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Skin or joint infections in the lumbar spine area within the last 3 months
  • Recent periarticular or intra-articular injections in the lumbar region within the last 3 months
  • Previous lumbar spine surgery such as spinal fusion
  • Use of oral corticosteroids for low back pain or uncontrolled opioid use
  • History of connective tissue disease, uncontrolled diabetes, radiculopathy, neurological or psychiatric disease, active malignancy, bleeding disorders, or recent trauma without imaging
  • Systemic diseases including rheumatic diseases or known abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Pregnancy
  • Allergy to local anesthetics
  • Needle phobia
  • Communication difficulties including severe hearing loss, language problems, or dementia
  • Inability to guarantee transportation to treatment and follow-up visits

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - 4 weeks

Participants receive three injection sessions of either combinational prolotherapy or local anesthetic injections at standardized lumbar acupuncture points.

3 visits (in-person) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks

Follow-up

Duration - Up to 3 months after last injection

Participants attend follow-up visits to assess pain, function, and safety after completion of injections.

3 visits (in-person) at 15, 30, and 90 days post-treatment

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

University General Hospital of Athens "Attikon" - National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School

Athens, Attica, Greece, 12461

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Research Team

K

Konstantinos Kalimeris MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Associate Professor

I

Ioannis Evgenidis MD, MSc, MBA, PhD candidate

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

SINGLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

2

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